Three HS2 protesters arrested in Aylesbury Vale

Three anti-HS2 campaigners were arrested at a work site in Steeple Claydon on Thursday morning as they continued their 'NHS not HS2' campaign which was launched last week.
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Approximately 10 protesters began blockading the Addison Road work site in Steeple Claydon at around 7:30am and were soon confronted by a heavy police presence.

One protester told The Bucks Herald: “They were everywhere. There were three vans, two cars and a police motorcycle. They were just out to pick people up.”

Thames Valley Police provided the following statement: “A 66-year-old woman from Gloucester arrested for breach of bail offences and has been released under investigation.

NHS not HS2 banner at protest in Steeple Claydon on ThursdayNHS not HS2 banner at protest in Steeple Claydon on Thursday
NHS not HS2 banner at protest in Steeple Claydon on Thursday

“A 46-year-old man of no fixed abode arrested on suspicion of obstructing or disrupting a person engaged in a lawful activity and use of violence or intimidation on person, family or property to compel activity or abstention of lawful activity and has been released on bail until 2 June.

“A 37-year-old woman of no fixed abode arrested on suspicion of suspicion of obstructing or disrupting a person engaged in a lawful activity and use of violence or intimidation on person, family or property to compel activity or abstention of lawful activity and has been released on bail until 2 June.”

The Bucks Herald has spoken to the 37-year-old woman, who is happy to named as Camille Brown. She told us: “"There was not one form of violence, there was not one form of communication that was not on a peaceful level."

"Four police officers jumped out of a van and did not give any communication or warning - they just handcuffed me straight away and took my phone off me. They then drove really crazily through the countryside to Milton Keynes. I still haven't got my phone back and they've taken my coat too."

Ms Brown added: "I'm a peace maker not a fighter."

A spokesperson for the group in Steeple Claydon said: “This compound is one of several in this area and here alone around 120 mature trees and a mile of hedgerow have been torn from the ground at the height of nesting season, not only removing precious habitats but destroying bird nests and bat roost sites. This work is going unmonitored by any independent agency during the current covid-19 crisis.

“We believe that the £110 billion (at least) that will be spent on HS2 could be better spent on NHS services after 10 years of austerity.”

Last week The Bucks Herald reported on the first of this latest round of protests where a dozen police officers were deployed to issue summons' to three protesters, allegedly for refusing to move when asked, despite video evidence appearing to show the opposite. Read that report here.