Saturday 14th August 2010
South Wales Police has confirmed that the Climate Camp which was established on farmland between Glyn Neath and Seven Sisters at around 5.00pm last night (13 August) has had to be dispersed.
The positive action taken by the police follows representations from the both the landowner and Cadw, the Welsh Historic Monuments agency.
The camp, which was made up of between 20 and 30 protestors, was located on the site of Coelbren Roman Fort. The ancient monument is a very sensitive location and under the protection of Cadw. The police have been advised that the site had already suffered from some damage.
Assistant Chief Constable Nick Croft said: “We informed the protestors that they had to vacate the site and gave them sufficient time to dismantle their tents and move on.
“I am pleased to say that everyone involved packed up and left in an orderly manner and I would like to thank the protestors for their co-operation.
“South Wales Police maintains a strictly impartial position on any related issues and causes, but have a responsibility to safeguard the right to a lawful protest, and a responsibility to safeguard the rights of individuals to carry out their lawful business.
“We will continue to work with any parties involved to ensure the safety of those participating at the camp, and the safety of the general public.”
Wednesday 11 August 2010
South Wales Police is again preparing for Climate Camp Cymru 2010, following on from the success seen last year when the camp was held in the Merthyr area of the force.
Although no specific details have been received from the organisers of the camp as to where it will be held later this week, South Wales Police, along with colleagues from Gwent, Dyfed Powys, and the British Transport Police, will again be looking to facilitate a peaceful assembly, and will be applying the same local neighbourhood policing style as last year.
Assistant Chief Constable Nick Croft said:
“Following the positive feedback we received from protestors and the local community throughout Climate Camp Cymru 2009, who congratulated us on our policing style and methods, we would look to adopt a similar approach this year, which would be proportionate and led by neighbourhood policing.
“South Wales Police maintains a strictly impartial position on any related issues and causes, but have a responsibility to safeguard the right to a lawful protest, and a responsibility to safeguard the rights of individuals to carry out their lawful business.
We will work with any parties involved to ensure the safety of those participating at the camp, and the safety of the general public.”