Police look to combat AWE demonstrators

10:07am Sunday 1st July 2007

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POLICE may lobby for extra powers to combat demonstrators blocking roads around the Atomic Weapons Establishment, in Aldermaston.

At a meeting at Aldermaston Manor, members of the public asked officers from Thames Valley Police why they were unable to seize equipment or stop people they knew were going to be disruptive.

Protests have been going on for years but have got worse recently

Jean Chapman

In recent months, protest groups have blocked roads surrounding the site by using equipment to chain themselves together.

Inspector Chris Farmer said that the force was appealing to the Association of Chief Police Officers to lobby for a change in the law.

He said: "What we have suggested is an amendment that will allow us to take some positive action, so if we stop a vehicle that has some lock-on equipment inside, we can seize it."

He said: "We respect the protesters' right to protest peacefully but when roads are blocked it stops people from going about their everyday lives."

Insp Farmer said that currently teams of specially-trained officers from around the Thames Valley area had to be called to AWE to deal with such incidents. However, response times were getting quicker.

New MOD by-laws introduced at the end of last month had also proved effective, he said.

The meeting was attended by representatives from Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police, AWE and members of the public.

Clive Vare, vice-chairman of Aldermaston Parish Council, said the protesters had a "disproportionate" effect on local residents.

Jean Chapman, who has lived opposite AWE's West Gate for 36 years, said: "I have to be escorted out of my house by police if I want to go anywhere when they are protesting.

"Protests have been going on for years but have got worse recently.

"They have the right to protest but I have a right to go about my everyday life and so does the rest of the local community."

Following the meeting, Thames Valley Police Neighbourhood Inspector Sue Aufiero said that police were planning to hold a similar meeting again in the autumn.