Third Battle of Newbury

P.O. BOX 5520, Newbury, Berks. RG14 7YW.

Tel: 01635 45544 Fax: 01635 45545 24 hr info: 01635 550552

E-mail: info@battle3.demon.co.uk URL: http://www.gn.apc.org/newbury


 
 


Immediate Release Thursday 12 September 1996
 
 

PRESS RELEASE

Bookies won't gamble on Newbury Bypass' completion

Some of this county's leading bookies including Ladbrokes, Coral, William Hill and I.G Index have refused to take bets on the completion of the Newbury Bypass. Neither were the bookies willing to give odds on a completion date or even late completion.

Despite numerous factors which could delay or even stop the bypass no odds were offered. A new Government, E.E.C. intervention or the financial Collapse of Costain - the company building the bypass could still mean it is not completed. Costain were saved from bankruptcy earlier this year by a rescue package from Malaysian company Intria. Costain's financial situation is still uncertain as the sale of their US coal subsidiary has been unsuccessful.

Andrew Wood of Third Battle of Newbury, who started enquires said

"I'm amazed no odds were offered. I don't regard this bet as a gamble since its crazy that such a highly destructive and unnecessary scheme should be completed" he continued "I'm sure a lot of people in Newbury and around the country would have loved a wee flutter. If people can gamble on the National Lottery or the political orientation of the next government, why not the Newbury Bypass?" ENDS