Protesters are forced to quit peace camp

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Saturday 1st Mar 2003.

PEACE protesters who set up camp outside RAF Fairford have been forced to move.

The protesters had been living in tents and caravans on private farmland in the village of Kempsford for nearly two weeks, but were threatened with eviction .

The camp planned to bring attention to the possible use of Fairford by American B-52 bombers and B-2 stealth bombers as a forward operating base for operations in a possible war on Iraq.

The group hopes to maintain its vigil of the Gloucestershire base until the middle of next month.

Jill Chadwick, a veteran peace campaigner, and leader of the Fairford peace camp, said: "It has been very annoying to have to deal with this silly trespass order. The farmer had no case, and we caused no damage to the field."

The peace camp was offered new accommodation by the landlady of the Axe and Compass public house in Kempsford.

Jill said: "The Axe and Compass has been very accommodating and hospitable, providing us with more positive energy for us to continue watching the base. We welcome anybody who wishes to come to the camp and visit us."

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