Developers targeted by militant protesters (From Somerset County Gazette)

Developers targeted by militant protesters

9:00am Wednesday 10th March 2010

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MILITANTS have upped their vandalism campaign against hundreds of new homes on Taunton’s Vivary Green Wedge.

The Green Wedgers graffiti-ed the premises of developers hoping to build on 40 acres they own at Killams.

The objectors – not connected with Save the Vivary Green Wedge group – oppose up to 600 homes earmarked there in Taunton Deane Council’s Draft Core Strategy.

Following Sunday’s attack on Summerfield Developments, in South Road, a Green Wedgers spokesman e-mailed the County Gazette, saying: “We climbed over a gate, glued the door lock, spray painted slogans such as ‘Hands off Vivary Wedge’, ‘Cut the contract’ and ‘Scum’ before paint-stripping a car.

“Hopefully, the vehicle belonged to an executive – either way, we expect them to pick up the bill.

“Our intention is for the company to end their involvement with the project due to the substantial costs in clearing up the mess, thus cancelling the plans to build on our green land.”

He said “economic sabotage is an effective non-violent tactic” and expressed “solidarity with Animal Liberation Front and Earth Liberation Front prisoners”.

Summerfield managing director Richard Lloyd said the attackers sprayed black paint on stonework, signs, windows and walls of the listed building.

“It isn’t amateur stuff,” added Mr Lloyd.

“It’s intimidating, telling us to lay off the wedge and saying, ‘We’ll be back’.

“We’re upset and appalled at the damage because it isn’t a democratic way of going about things.

“This sort of intimidation is nasty and completely undemocratic.”

Mr Lloyd said the vandalised car belonged to the firm’s caretaker.

Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident.

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