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Protesters march to oppose Bristol Airport expansion
Scores of people came together in the city centre for a rally to oppose Bristol Airport expansion.
As the sun beat down at 11am on Friday, demonstrators of all ages gathered on College Green as part of a global day of strike action.
Their rallying cry was to halt the airport expansion in its tracks.
is needed now More than ever
Kicking off a march just after midday, protesters quickly brought Park Street to standstill as motorists sat in their vehicles and roads became gridlocked.
The demonstration started with speeches from pressure groups and campaigners, hosted by climate justice activist Torin Menzies – who is 17 years old.
Speaking about the impact of expansion, Menzies said: “For the sake of our communities and our futures, Bristol Airport expansion cannot be allowed to go ahead. We need to rapidly decarbonise to fight the climate crisis, not emitting more than ever before.
“Bristol Airport expansion will further worsen the lives of those living near it through air and noise pollution, whilst emitting an extra million tons of CO2 into the atmosphere annually.
He added: “As young people, it is our futures which are the most at risk here – that is we are calling for everyone to stand behind us and oppose Airport expansion.”
About 100 people turned out with homemade banners and placards – photo: Betty Woolerton
The protest comes as Bristol Airport Action Network have vowed to take the decision to expand the Airport in North Somerset to high court. The Planning Inspectorate recently gave expansion the green-light despite council and public opposition.
Main photo: Betty Woolerton
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