Stop Stansted Expansion protesters are ensuring that the Government's consultation process on airport capacity in the south east ends with a bang.
The campaign group is playing the part of its Government ''enemy'' by launching a symbolic assault, spearheaded by an Abbot SPG tank, on Mole Hill Green next to the airport, to mark the start of a month-long protest by residents against the possible destruction of more than 60 listed homes and other buildings.
The main thrust of the attack, to be staged on the anniversary of the D-Day landings, is on the historic Three Horseshoes pub, but three nearby homes, dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, will also be in the firing line of the Transport Department's forces.
The tank, driven by an SSE volunteer playing the part of Tony Blair will fire smoke rounds from an 105mm howitzer gun at the pub, and at mock-ups of other buildings that could be demolished under the expansion plans.
The enemy's chain of command will be completed by volunteers acting the roles of the Transport Secretary, Alistair Darling, and the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott.
The tank, which saw service along the Rhine in the 1960's Cold War is from the collection of military vehicles owned by Barry Knee, of B & B Autos, Takeley.
The exercise, in which other volunteers will play the Home Guard defending their village heritage, is designed to show how the Government's expansion proposals, if they become reality, will devastate a unique corner of England.
It is part of SSE's drive, in the final days of the consultation, to keep its cause firmly in the public eye.
The consultation closes on June 30 and SSE is intensifying its letter writing campaign directed at ministers and MPs.
Campaign director, Carol Barbone said: "The offensive will continue after the end of June because the civil servants will then begin to draft the aviation White Paper which the Transport Secretary will present to the Commons by the end of the year.
"We are pressing for a full and proper debate in the House and will be making every effort to influence that debate."
Campaign chairman, Norman Mead, said: "In this context Churchillian rhetoric comes to mind. He said 'we will never surrender,' and neither will we."
Published Thursday, June 5, 2003
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