Anti-HS2 protestors in Wendover looking to 'Build Back Better' with tower replacement
A video on Facebook shows the group replacing wooden sections of the 'Temple'
Last updated 13th Oct 2021
Protestors at an HS2 protest camp in Wendover have replaced a section of a 15 metre tall tower, which had been removed by bailiffs and police, while using the Prime Minister's mantra to 'Build Back Better'.
A video on Facebook shows the group replacing wooden sections of the 'Temple' that had not long been removed.
They can be heard using Boris Johnson's catchphrase 'Build Back Better' over the sound of nails being banged into wood.
There have reportedly been four evictions since Sunday morning, with a fifth person leaving the camp voluntarily.
Concerns have reportedly been raised about the crane used to dismantle the tower being "too close" to where protestors are in tunnels.
People are said to have contacted the Health and Safety Executive and Buckinghamshire Council to express their concerns.
Bailiffs and police are also reportedly using the crane "next to a busy A road with traffic continuing to pass the site".
A construction worker said:
"I've seen many times a plant vehicle place its stabiliser legs over what looked like stable ground only to find that, when the load came on, the ground gave way without warning.
"It's an act of gross negligence to use this type of heavy machinery over the top of unmarked and un-surveyed tunnels with people potentially inches below."
A spokesperson for HS2 said:
"HS2 has a legal right to possession of this land which is needed for the safe construction of the railway.
"We are currently working to safely remove a number of illegal trespassers who have put themselves into dangerous positions.
"Their irresponsible actions are wasting public money, putting our staff at risk and putting unnecessary strain on the emergency services.
"The construction of HS2 is playing a vital role in Britain’s economic recovery from Covid-19, with over 20,000 people already working on the project and tens of thousands of additional jobs supported through our supply chain.
"We urge everyone who cares about our natural environment to support a project that is providing work across the UK today, and in the future will get people out of cars, off planes and onto low carbon rail travel."
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson confirmed officers have been "at the scene of an eviction which is taking place at a site near Small Dean Lane, Wendover".
They continued:
"This is a civil matter, and is not being enforced by Thames Valley Police.
"The role of the police 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.
"Officers are present to seek to prevent any breach of the peace, support lawful business activity and facilitate peaceful protest.
"Officers will only become directly involved if there is any evidence of any criminality, or anyone taking direct action to disrupt lawful activity, for which the force would make any arrests where necessary.
"Public safety is and remains a policing priority for Thames Valley Police in dealing with the impact of the HS2 railway."
Bucks Council have also been approached for comment.