Evict Menwith spies--not the women

<*> The women's peace camp at Menwith Hill spy base was evicted by police and bailiffs on 19 April--but immediately re-established itself in a lay-by about 200 metres away on the A59 road.

At around 10am, three police vans appeared on the road, followed by 30 police, and up to 50 North Yorkshire County Council bailiffs, contractors, and engineers; a road-widening scheme had given the council the legal authority to evict the women's camp.

Campers took up positions on and around their caravans, with some women locking themselves to the vehicles. The media were quickly alerted and reporters tried to talk their way through police roadblocks which were quickly set up around the camp area.

The women were cut free, only to be arrested, and the vehicles were impounded and put on low-loaders.

The six arrested campers were all released at 4.30pm the same day, having been charged with "obstructing the highway". Tents and basic camping equipment were salvaged, and the flower bed transplanted to the camp's new temporary location. There is the offer of a new caravan for the camp, but other basic camping supplies are still needed.

The obstruction cases will be heard at Ripon Magistrates' Court on 24 May.

The ten-day "Amazon festival" and blockade, planned for 19-28 May, is scheduled to go ahead as planned. Women are encouraged to come and join in the action.

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Menwith Hill Women's Peace Camp, c/o 8 Sommerville Tce, East Busk Lane, Otley, W Yorks LS21 1HS (messages 0585 329313)