The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Organisers of a “go-slow” protest along one of the area’s busiest roads this weekend have agreed to change their route after discussions with police.
More than 60 vehicles were expected to take part in the 5mph protest on the A17 at Sutton Bridge tomorrow (Saturday) against plans for a gasifier in the town.
But the plans have been changed at the 11th hour after talks between protesters and neighbourhood policing sergeant Garth Boxall, who raised safety concerns.
A police statement released this morning said discussions had taken place to ensure the event ran smoothly.
Sgt Boxall said: “My discussions with organisers have concluded today and I thank them for their understanding and cooperation.
“We have agreed that the protest will not travel along the A17 but those vehicles involved will be allowed to turn around at the roundabout before following their planned route back through the town.”
Sgt Boxall went on to explain the efforts made to minimise disruption.
He said: “To ensure that this protest does not unduly disrupt the wider community, conditions have been imposed to ensure that the procession does not slow traffic on the A17 and these give a number of sensible instructions to those involved in the protest.
“Police will attend the protest on Saturday morning to ensure these conditions are complied with and to ensure the safety of those involved as well as motorists on the A17.
“I take this opportunity to ask those participating to follow the instructions passed to them by the organisers and given to them by police officers at the scene.”
Sgt Boxall also wanted to thank local residents and road users for their patience and cooperation.
He added: “For those who plan on travelling through Sutton Bridge, we will endeavour to keep delays to a minimum but there may be some slight disruption to traffic flow.”
The action has been organised by The Wash and Sutton Bridge Protection Group and, as well as the road protest, people are being encouraged to walk up and down Bridge Road with placards to make their support known.
Protester Shirley Giles had been working with parish councillors Jenny Rowe and Vicky Hills to collect signatures on a petition against the gasifier, which was handed to South Holland District Council on Wednesday.
