Leek roundabout protest 'is harming business in town'
CAMPAIGNERS camped out on Leek's roundabout have been told to move on because they are damaging business in the town.
Staffordshire County Council claims shop owners have complained that the protest is putting off shoppers.
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'OUR TOWN': The protesters yesterday. Picture: Martin Brough
Concerned residents set up camp on the floral island on Monday morning, when work to demolish it began.
It will be replaced with traffic lights as part of a network of road changes linked to the town's new Sainsbury's development.
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Neal Podmore, Staffordshire County Councillor for Leek South, said the protest was harming the town.
"While respecting people's right to have their say, the ongoing protest is doing nothing to help the local economy," he said.
"I worry it could have the opposite effect and discourage people from coming here. Both our engineers and the police have asked the protesters to move off what is left of the roundabout and we are receiving complaints from people in the town centre.
"I'd urge the people on the roundabout to think about what they are doing and let the workmen get on with their job.
"People and businesses in Leek want to see this work finished as quickly as possible and this is a time for everybody to get together and get behind Leek."
Families claim the much-loved roundabout is part of the town's heritage and have accused decision-makers of a lack of consultation. They believe the road changes will cause traffic chaos.
Campaigners have vowed to continue their fight despite half the roundabout having been removed.
Edwin Ash, aged 64, from Ladderedge, Leek, said: "This is not just about the roundabout, it is about all the road proposals.
"I've lived and worked in Leek all my life and I cannot think why anyone in their right mind could want to introduce them.
"It's going to bring more traffic into the town centre, which is absolutely ludicrous.
"Half the roundabout is gone but we are here to protest. It is our right to do so and I intend to do it as long as possible."
Fellow campaigner Irene Knights said the public had been getting behind the protest.
The 64-year-old, of Ball Haye Green, Leek, said: "We are getting a lot of support. People are beeping their horns as they go past."
Rosemarie Kirkham, aged 65, from Leek, added: "We are not just guarding a pretty roundabout, we are trying to make a point to the council about this whole issue.
"The more attention we get the better."
Around 30 to 40 people are manning the protest throughout the day, with a handful of campaigners staying in tents overnight.
Police officers have been drafted in to help prevent the demonstration getting out of control.
A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "Our aim is to provide fair and balanced policing to allow peaceful protest while allowing businesses and authorities to carry out their lawful activity.
"We are working closely with Staffordshire County Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council who have a lawful right to complete works to the road network."
Comments
by voltaire1
Wednesday, June 20 2012, 8:52PM
“I hope the next time Staffordshire County Council decide to make changes to the County then they post planning proposals on nearby lamp posts and telgraph poles like the rest of us are forced to do. One law for ordinary people and and another for our fascist dictators.”
by BobfromLeek
Tuesday, June 19 2012, 7:04AM
“Bailiffs due on Friday,
MOVE THEM OFF protestors to enjoy watching it.”
by djdaz1210
Monday, June 18 2012, 11:02PM
“Leek has got alot of character to it. The buildings, the market. The roundabout also is very nice, especially in summer. KEEP UP THE PROTEST.”
by pixie1975
Monday, June 18 2012, 10:09PM
“its a roundabout!!!!!!!! traffic has always bin a problem around leek. these people are setting a bad example to the younger generation, i am all for putting a point across but in the correct way. its going to happen protesters or not”
by Ron DePlume
Monday, June 18 2012, 7:23PM
“On what planet are you people who vote topscore's post down? Here we have a genuine bloke who wants to go out and support his family rather than sit on his **** on benefits and the delays due to these ridiculous protests are stopping him, and others like him.
Some of you sit on here day after day bleating about people living on the dole, claiming disability and scrounging, yet you have no sympathy for a man, and others like him who want to go out and work in the new store.
Topscore, chin up mate, credit to you, I know there are decent, hardworking people in Leek, its unfortunate that the pictures of the town being painted by these protestors is of a backwards thinking bunch of yokels.”
by skullfck
Monday, June 18 2012, 6:46PM
“apparently the word on the street says it's a premier place to score,i was approached by a guy he said to go to the roundabout and ask for a guy named roach,any gear you want he said,i phoned the police service quickly after this .just what is going on in leek ?”
by topscore
Monday, June 18 2012, 3:52PM
“I would just like to say my bit, im unemployed married with two kids, i desperately need work these so called protestors are attempting to stop the opportunity of new jobs coming to leek for leek lads like me and others, i find this very selfish and unacceptable,.”
by BobfromLeek
Monday, June 18 2012, 3:44PM
“These protestors are now putting other people's safety at risk.Road users,workmen and fellow Leek residents.The area is quickly becoming very dangerous to be in,mark my words somebody is going to get injured if these minority protestors continue.You have traffic,workmen and pedestrians having to avoid these protestors now.Really suprised they are not forcefully evicted on safety grounds before a innocent person is injured.How will they feel then?”
by thowtfull
Monday, June 18 2012, 3:28PM
“Right or wrong - the protestors have a right to protest and suggesting that they stop because you do not agree with them is wrong. Many of the posts about this issue and similar ones seem to suggesting that the Englishman's right to state a view and to stand up for what they believe (even if a little eccentric) should be curtailed? I'm sure trade is down in Leek, but surely closed roads, traffic diversions and congestion are more to blame, is the the council perhaps trying to avoid compensating business (through rate reductions) who lose income because of this?”
by sambarber
Monday, June 18 2012, 3:07PM
“today i counted with my own eyes over 80 folk protesting about the protesters on the roundabout their we just 3 or 4 protesters, the roundabout protesters should save face and go home before they have no choice and are locked up.”