Treehouse dwellers hope to halt motorway link road
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.CAMPAIGNERS fighting construction of the M11 link road in north-east London have occupied this ancient tree that stands on its route, writes Nicholas Schoon. They argue that their treehouse is a dwelling and the Department of Transport has to go through eviction proceedings to remove them.
On Wednesday night they obtained a temporary High Court injunction restraining the department. Today the court will decide whether to make the injunction permanent. The protesters proudly flourished the legal document at security guards and bailiffs who arrived at the chestnut tree on George Green, Wanstead, yesterday morning.
At least two of them are in the tree at all times. Many are veterans of the long resistance at the Twyford Down M3 construction site. They have combined with local protesters to rejuvenate the long-running war against the 3.5- mile link road which connects the M11 to the Blackwall Tunnel.
They claim the tree is a dwelling because letters addressed to it have been delivered by the Post Office. And they say that even if they can be legally evicted, there will be mass resistance.
About 300 homes in the road's path have been or are due to be demolished.
(Photograph omitted)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments