A day of action for anti-HS2 protesters in Aylesbury and Great Missenden
Three arrests were made at the Jones Hill Woods site
Last updated 15th Apr 2021
Aylesbury and Great Missenden were the sites of anti-HS2 action today.
This morning a walk against HS2 took place organised by local campaigners who want to raise awareness for construction work in the Aylesbury area.
Walking along Oxford Road the group wore masks and kept a safe distance from each other.
One of the organisers David Stopps explained they want to peacefully protest the new highspeed railway:
"We are having a peaceful protest about HS2 and we are totally convinced it will be scrapped, it is just a matter of when that decision will be made and how much damage they are going to do before that decision is made.
"It makes no sense whatsoever with everybody working from home and video conferencing, the demand for train travel is less.
"We are sure it will be scrapped but we are trying to keep on the pressure until then."
Banners and placards were brought on the walk, the biggest reading 'Aylesbury against HS2'.
The one that got the most attention for passers by is pictured above, although peaceful, the supportive engagement from drivers passing by meant the walk was not a quiet one.
David says the locals are behind them:
"There is fantastic local support and we really need people to get out on the street to help put the pressure on.
"It means a tremendous amount. You can hear the people honking and we will be out here again this afternoon and other mornings."
Elsewhere, security and police were on site at Jones Hill Wood in Great Missenden to remove HS2 protesters.
Campaigners are camping out at the site, in the trees, to try and prevent HS2 construction.
Ross Monaghan is one of those campaigners, he livestreamed the clearing of some protestors:
Thames Valley Police have confirmed three people were arrested during this incident, saying:
“Thames Valley Police officers are at the site of an anti-HS2 protest which is taking place near Jones Hill Wood, Wendover.
“HS2 Ltd has evicted a number of people for trespassing on land owned by HS2 Ltd. This is a civil matter, and is not being enforced by Thames Valley Police.
“Our role is to ensure public safety, and facilitate a peaceful protest while at the same time ensuring HS2 Ltd’s legal rights to carry out their work.
“A total of three arrests have been made this morning in connection with the protest.”
Ross has since shared an update on his Facebook page following this morning.