News Writing Assignment 5

Twenty protestors have made a copse in Wishingshire their home in protest of retail giant Megabuck’s plan to build a car park on the site.

The supermarket chain planned to redevelop the site in Moonville, as part of their estimated 180 strong expansion across the country, and contractors were due to begin clearing the area this morning.

Ignoring a court order that they remove themselves, protestors chained underground and in the branches of the trees remain adamant that they will not allow the plans to fell 200 old trees to proceed.

The eco-protest began two Saturdays ago, when Joseph Bloggs made his home in the branches of a tree on the site. Mr. Bloggs left only to attend the High Court where the judge ordered his removal.

“I have been here two weeks and I am not going anywhere. They will have to drag us from these branches,” added Mr. Bloggs.

This is not the first time Megabuck has come to Moonville, as they have a store just outside of the town, which Mr. Bloggs believes has already damaged local businesses.

“We have got one [Megabuck store] and there are already empty shops...”

There has been additional protest from older residents, 1,700 signing a protest petition as the development would require moving the town’s war memorial to allow heavy vehicles to access the superstore.

Local Council planning manager believes the town is “In need of vital regeneration”, and that a central Megabuck store would draw more visitors to other businesses.

A spokesperson from Megabuck has declined to comment on their plans for the eviction of the protestors, but have made assurances that they intend replace the trees they wish to cut down.