Friends of the Earth Birmingham Action Briefing Apr/May 98

BNRR Update

On February 20th the High Court gave the BNRR 6, now 8, the right to appeal to the High Court with its legal challenge. This challenge is for the government to make the concession agreement, signed in 1992, between the then Tory Government and Midland Expressway Ltd a public document. It is believed that there are compensation clauses with that document that have affected the way in which the decision to build the road was made. The BNRR 8 now await a firm date in the High Court.

Meanwhile the other side have been busy with the Compulsory Purchase orders were published on February 12th. These have to be objected to within 6 weeks which runs out on April 3rd. It would then be possible for the Highways Agency to commence purchasing land. The Highways Agency have tried to get working more quickly than that in that walkers passing by Boundary Cottage saw that a demolition order had been placed upon it signalling that it would be demolished in March. Given that the CP orders were not up until April 3rd it would seem silly for the Highways Agency to start work before this date. The building was subsequently occupied by members of Greenwood Camp, thereby providing the Highways Agency with another headache. The camp at Greenwood on the Sutton Coldfield bypass is growing steadily and has made a request for more food parcels from local sympathisers.

A quiz to raise funds for the ongoing campaign is to be held on April 23rd in the Spotted Dog pub, Alcester Street, Digbeth from 7.30 for an 8pm start.

Beverly Cumblidge