Campaigners at Combe Haven Valley were moved on by bailiffs earlier this week. Credit: PA
Grandmothers will gather in Combe Haven Valley in East Sussex this morning in the latest protest against moves to build a £94 million link road.
Councillors say the road between Bexhill and Hastings is vital to regenerate the local economy, leading to 2,000 new homes and hundreds of jobs.
However, protesters have been gathering at the site since Christmas, with three camps dismantled by bailiffs in as many weeks.
Organisers say the grandmothers will sail parts of the flooded site in kayaks.
Local grandmother Rosamond Palmer said: "Combe Haven floods, it is a flood plain and therefore a stupid place to build a road. As local senior residents we want to express our opposition. Fortunately being sensible older women, we brought our boats."
They've tried to stop the road by pointing out the damage it's doing to the countryside, now protesters against the Hastings to Bexhill link road are highlighting the damage it could be doing to history.
They claim the route will cause permanent damage to the site of the Battle of Hastings which they say is in the path of the new road.
Andy Dickenson reports and we hear from link road campaigner Michael Bernard and Gregory Barker, MP for Bexhill and Battle.
"Battle of Hastings" gathers pace with High Court bid
Campaigners against a 94 million pound relief road between Hastings and Bexhill are trying to take their fight to the High Court.
Local historians believe the proposed route could cut through the site of William the Conqueror's base camp of 1066 - a view disputed since it would place the Battle of Hastings at Combe Haven Valley and not Battle Abbey.
Campaigner Michael Bernard has been speaking to ITV News Meridian
New link road protesters climb trees in threatened area
Around twenty protesters demonstrating against proposals for the new Bexhill-Hastings Link Road (BHLR) have climbed trees in areas threatened by the route.
The Combe Haven Defenders are calling for 1,066 people to come to Hastings to help them peacefully resist the construction of the Link Road. The trees near Adam’s Farm in Crowhurst, are on the route of the BHLR.
“The second Battle of Hastings has begun in earnest this morning. We intend to do everything in our power to peacefully resist the Road, and urge all those concerned about the environment, the countryside, or the public purse to join us.”
