Road protestors are occupy trees to stop new road construction

Opponents of the £100m road have taken to the trees this morning to defend them from chainsaw-wielding contractors. About twenty activists are currently defending two sites in the Combe Valley, the area threatened by the Road’s construction.

Seven van-loads of contractors, and at least one police car, are believed to be involved in the tree-felling operation, which has been timed to try and pre-empt protests to block the Road’s construction.

The trees – near Adam’s Farm in Crowhurst, East Sussex – are on the route of the BHLR.

The Combe Haven Defenders are running a pledge calling for 1,066 people to come to Hastings and peacefully resist the construction of the Link Road.

Gabriel Carlyle, spokesperson for the Defenders, said: “The second Battle of Hastings has begun in earnest this morning. We intend to do everything in our power to peacefully resist the Road, and urge all those concerned about the environment, the countryside, or the public purse to join us.”