In February of this year eight thousand people attended a mass Rally opposing the Newbury Bypass. Those returning are likely to be shocked at the destruction of some of the finest countryside in southern England. Most striking is the ten foot high security fencing topped with razor wire which lines the nine mile route and forms numerous compounds which are guarded by security guards.

People attending the Rally will arrive at Newbury train station from 11.00 a.m. and walk along the Bypass route to the Rally site. The Rally which starts st 2.00 p.m will feature several speakers including Charles Secrett, Director of Friends of the Earth. After the Rally people will decorate the bypass fence and link hands around a compound. A two minute silence will be observed once the human chain is formed.

The linking of hands and decoration of fencing echoes the 'Embrace the Base' demonstration in December 1982 at RAF Greenham Common, near Newbury. At that time cruise missiles were being stationed at Greenham Common.

For further information contact Andrew Wood at the above telephone number. A more detailed press release to follow on Monday 5th Jan. 1997.