Boot is on the other foot for Faslane protesters

Published on Tuesday 3 April 2007 01:02

VILLAGERS who live near the submarine base on the Clyde that houses Britain's nuclear deterrent yesterday launched a protest against disruption caused by demonstrators.

More than 100 residents from Garelochhead marched to the Faslane Naval Base to complain that action by anti-Trident protesters often leads to the A814 road to the village being closed.

Many people have been prevented from going to work by road blockages and other demonstrations, and children have not been able to get buses to school.

Since 1 October, protesters have gathered at the base to highlight their opposition to nuclear missiles and submarines as part of the year-long Faslane 365 campaign.

George Freeman, a local councillor, said villagers had grown increasingly frustrated. "This is not a Trident issue - the issue is the illegal action of protesters," he said. "They are welcome to come and demonstrate as long as it doesn't impact on other people going about their lawful business.

"Buses cannot go through to Helensburgh, so children cannot get to the secondary school, and people cannot get here from Helensburgh to go to work. In the first week of 365, we had 100 children at Garelochhead Primary and no teachers."

Jane Tallents, of the Faslane 365 campaign, lives in the area. She said: "We've got a great deal of sympathy for local people and we are very aware of the disruption that we cause. We also want things to return to normal. But nuclear weapons are not normal."