Alternative London’s pivotal moment on Claremont Road

The Battle of Claremont Road: A Turning Point for Environmental Activism

The battle of Claremont Road in the 1990s marked a significant turning point in the environmental movement, setting a template for responsible disruption that would shape activism for decades to come.

The M11 Link Road and Environmental Resistance

The M11 link road had been planned since the 1960s but faced growing resistance from locals and environmental groups in the 1990s. Protests against schemes like the M3 extension at Twyford Down and the proposed east London river crossing through Oxleas Wood had already gained momentum.

The Claremont Road Protests

The Claremont Road protests were a “joined-up mix of social and environmental motivations.” Activists built webbing on rooftops to evade police, with some protesters constructing wooden observation towers and a 30-meter-high scaffolding structure named after Dolly Watson, a 92-year-old former actor who had lived on the road her entire life.

The Police Response

The police spent over £1 million evicting the protesters, but their efforts were met with creative resistance. Activists built underground bunkers, treehouses connected by webs of netting and walkways, and even a tunnel out of oil drums to smuggle supplies and people in and out of the protest area.

The Impact of the Protest

Despite not stopping the M11 link road from being built, the Claremont Road protests turned the roads program into a political issue and won the moral argument. Labour’s 1997 election victory led to a reduction in major road schemes from 150 to 37, but by 2000, New Labour was committing at least £30 billion to building and improving roads.

Legacy of the Battle

Although the protests did not prevent the construction of the M11 link road, they marked a significant turning point for environmental activism in the UK. The campaign highlighted the need for more responsible and sustainable development, and paved the way for future environmental movements.

Key Figures

Several key figures emerged during the Battle of Claremont Road, including Doug, who became a symbol of resistance against the police and the construction of the M11 link road. Other notable activists included Goodwin, who used creative tactics to evade eviction, and Dolly Watson, a 92-year-old former actor who had lived on Claremont Road all her life.

Impact on Transport Policy

The Battle of Claremont Road also had an impact on transport policy in the UK. In 1997, Labour came into power and cut the number of major road schemes inherited from the Tories from 150 to 37. However, by 2000, New Labour was committing at least £30 billion to building and improving roads.

Lessons Learned

The Battle of Claremont Road highlighted the need for more responsible and sustainable development, as well as the importance of community-led activism. The campaign also demonstrated the power of non-violent direct action and the impact that individual activists can have on larger social movements.

Conclusion

The Battle of Claremont Road was a significant turning point for environmental activism in the UK. Although the protests did not prevent the construction of the M11 link road, they marked a major shift in public opinion and paved the way for future environmental movements. The campaign’s legacy can still be seen today, with many activists continuing to push for more responsible and sustainable development.