President Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley TUC AT 8am on Wednesday May 18 thirty bailiffs and 250 police evicted protesters from Parkside pit camp in Newton-le-Willows.
Hammers and crowbars were used to break down the door of a porta-cabin and forcibly eject three members of Lancashire Women Against Pit Closures barricaded inside.
Although only non-violent resistance was offered two male pit camp supporters, not even on the site, were arrested on spurious charges of obstruction.
A 100 yard long, six foot high steel fence has been erected at the pit entrance to prevent protestors regaining access.
The assault came as no surprise since British Coal had won its court application for re-possession twelve days previously. The protesters had subsequently received visits from bailiffs and police asking them to leave the site.
Police had suggested departure coincide with a 'final' rally so the women could 'bow out in glory' but the response was always 'we are not going away'. Some have even indicated willingness to go to prison to pursue the fight!
Minor charges
The police have made no moves against Sylvia Pye - National Chair of WAPC and the only person named in the repossession order - or any of the other women. Only relatively minor charges are being pressed against the two men.
BC and the police want to down-play the affair to avoid adding fuel to the fire. This would only focus attention on a protest which has, for twelve months, prevented BC from filling in shafts and demolishing Parkside's headgear.
BC's attempt to 'exorcise' the pit camp has been a complete failure. 'Parkside Pit Camp Mark 2' is already established on the other side of the road.
It is impossible to convey the dismay of David Nixon (the fourth pit manager in the last twelve months!) when greeted the following day by the cheery faces of WAPC members! They were brewing up less than 50 yards away from the original site - signalling the fight continues unabated.
150 people - including Arthur Scargill - joined a rally at the site on Sunday May 22. • Further actions are planned. For details phone: 0925 221181 0942 884763.
SOCIALIST OUTLOOK No. 63, 1 June 1994, Page 3