Climate campaigners camped outside Cornwall Council 'refuse' to remove tents
Officials say their request to move for 'safety reasons' was declined
Last updated 24th May 2022
The climate campaigners camped outside Cornwall Council's HQ have been asked to remove their tents and vehicles.
The Cornwall Climate Group set up camp at County Hall in Truro in the early hours of Monday 23rd May, calling for urgent action on the local authority's pledge to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Organisers claim that while officials have made headway, the target is "utterly unattainable without a dramatic and urgent increase in commitment and action".
They held a People's Assembly on Tuesday morning, as part of a full programme of speakers, workshops, trainings and creative activities focusing on everything from the environmental and ecological emergency to Cornwall's housing crisis and green energy.
In a statement released on Monday evening, the council said it had asked the group to move away by 7pm but that request was declined.
Officials also insisted they are working with multiple community groups and organisations, all committed to cutting the Duchy's carbon footprint.
The statement from Councillor Martyn Alvey, Cornwall’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: "Cornwall Council is an open and accessible council which recognises the importance of peaceful protest in a democratic society.
"While we respect everyone’s right to demonstrate we have to balance that with the needs of the public accessing New County Hall and vulnerable residents nearby.
"The grounds are not designated or suitable for camping with no fresh water or welfare facilities available.
"For safety reasons we have asked the group of demonstrators to remove their tents and vehicles by 7pm this evening and I have met the leaders formally in New County Hall and informally on their temporary camp. They have declined to comply with the request.
"As such we have introduced additional security measures in the public building and are liaising with our legal team and the police in respect of the next steps".
Cllr Alvey continued: "We are recognised as one of the country’s leading authorities in tackling the climate emergency and we are working with communities to accelerate our programme to help Cornwall become carbon neutral.
"As part of our County Deal negotiations with government we want Cornwall to become the first net-zero region in the country.
"We cannot fight climate change alone and we all need to pull together.
"We are working with community and environmental groups, schools and young people, businesses, town and parish councils, the voluntary sector and everyone who, like us, is committed to cutting Cornwall’s carbon footprint and reducing the impacts of climate change".