TUNNEL VISION!
Defiant HS2 protesters say they ‘aren’t going anywhere’ after 44 days underground
CAMPAIGNERS fighting to stop high speed rail line HS2 have spent 44 days in a maze of underground tunnels beneath a beauty spot.
The network of subterranean channels has been dug at the Bluebell Woods Protection Camp near Swynnerton.
It comes after the protesters decided to move underground seven weeks ago after bailiffs arrived to evict the camp on May 10.
HS2 Rebellion claim just one person has left the tunnel so far despite HS2 bosses calling for them to vacate ‘immediately’.
Previous underground protests along the proposed route of the high speed line lasted for 28 days in Wendover, Buckinghamshire, and 31 days in Euston, London.
Those still beneath Bluebell Woods do not have access to the internet and are unable to share images from where they are.
But, they do have occasional phone signal and have been able to pass messages saying they are in good spirits.
From the tunnel, an unnamed protester, said: “Morale is high, but we have all had our personal challenges to overcome. We are staying healthy, with plenty of water and an underground galaxy of vitamins. That said, confined spaces are not easy on the knees.”
Another added: “We hope to inspire a culture of resistance and need to hold the Government to account. We are relying on our sheer willpower, determination and stubbornness. We aren’t going anywhere.”
Nancy Livingstone, spokeswoman for Bluebell Woods Protection Camp, said: “Protestors are not the ones endangering other people’s lives. It is the government who are endangering everyone through projects such as HS2 which is destroying lives, livelihoods and threatening all our rights to exist by destroying precious ecosystems.”
A spokeswoman for HS2 said: “These protestors would best serve their safety by ending their illegal protest immediately. Until they do, HS2 is monitoring the tunnel’s atmosphere with electronic sensors and regularly pumping in fresh air to maintain its quality.
“In addition, paramedics and tunnelling teams are on site 24/7 to respond to any situation.
“We urge everyone who cares about the environment to support the HS2 project, which is providing work for more than 25,000 people across the UK today, and in the future will get people out of cars, off planes and onto zero carbon rail travel.”
High Speed Two, also known as HS2, is a new rail line connecting London, Birmingham, Crewe, Manchester, Nottingham and Derby. Part of the line will come through North Staffordshire, destroying ancient woodland.