Wortham Ling welcomes Suffolk and Norfolk residents to protest march against pylon plans
Resolve has been collectively strengthened by a community which marched together to make its voice heard on the looming prospect of electricity pylons.
The group, which involved everyone from residents of nearby villages to councillors and MPs, met at Riverside House in Wortham Ling to exchange views and march along a section of the proposed route.
Around 200 people turned out on the day, with speeches given by MPs Richard Bacon, Dr Dan Poulter and Jo Churchill.
“I was overwhelmed and very emotional when hundreds of people turned up to my home,” said organiser Christine Murton.
“I couldn’t believe it. It just goes to show the strength of feeling against these pylons.
“It was amazing to hear our three MPs and two council leaders speak out against these pylons. That so many other councillors came to support it, I can’t thank them all enough.
“I think this protest gave us all a reason to keep going and to grow stronger, and that is what we will do. I’ve met so many new people who are also affected by these pylons and we will remain in contact and keep fighting.”
The protest was arranged in opposition to the contentious Norwich to Tilbury project to build more than 100 miles of 50-metre high pylons across East Anglia.
Campaigners have argued that offshore options would be cheaper, simpler and better for everyone, but claim that applicant National Grid has not even given offshore options proper consideration.
Speaking at the march, Richard Bacon, MP for South Norfolk, described National Grid as having not been helpful or transparent, outlining his view that this needed to change.
He was also quick to praise the support the protests had generated among MPs, councillors and local people, adding: “There has been huge support from MPs and local authorities and it is still all to play for.”
Jo Churchill, MP for Bury St Edmunds, spoke of her frustration that National Grid was not giving people any options. She said: “My interest was piqued by constituents writing to me, but there is nothing more powerful than seeing this on the ground.
“We want options, we want transparency, we want choice and we want co-ordination. We want results that give us the right solution.”
Labour and Co-Op Party activist Ann Reeder described the potential for pylons across the landscape as “devastating to the area”.
She added: “If National Grid takes its proposed inland route, it will have a catastrophic impact on our local environment, some of which has protected status. As a participant at the protest said, there is no choice – the only route must be offshore.
“The community around Diss and Roydon loudly protested that we do not want super-sized pylons in our green and pleasant land.
“We want the Government to intervene and stand up to National Grid and send the route off-shore. We need to stand up to the big vested interests and create an energy policy for the people and the planet.”
