Campaigners fighting plans for more runways at Stansted chased off a tank which had a historic pub in its sights.
Organised by the Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE) group, the PR stunt marked the start of a month-long protest against plans for further runways at the airport.
Fire! - Campaigners pretend to demolish a local pub
Held at the Three Horseshoes pub, Mole Hill Green, last Friday, the tank fired on the pub before turning on three historic houses.
Symbolizing the Government's airport expansion policies, the Abbot SPG tank was manned by a crew bearing a striking resemblance to PM Tony Blair, Deputy PM John Prescott and Transport Minister Alistair Darling.
It was eventually chased off by the local Home Guard led by SSE group chairman Norman Mead, who demanded the three ministers' surrender.
The aim of the event was to highlight the effect building more runways would have on local heritage.
The Three Horseshoes dates back 560 years and is rumoured to have been frequented by highwayman Dick Turpin.
Published Friday, June 13, 2003
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