[diggers350] Diggers

[BEBBS at MCR1.poptel.org.uk]

FAXED BY SIMON BEBBINGTON, 0378 307636

DICTATED AT 10am ON 8 APRIL 1999

DIGGERS DEMAND ACCESS NOT EVICTION

The Diggers occupying land on Saint George's Hill today released their formal access proposals for the estate -- just as they were served an eviction notice. 

The Diggers proposals include the establishment of a permanent home for the Diggers' memorial stone and guaranteed public access to the hill. They also provide for the formulation of a management plan for the site. 

Access rights on Saint George's Hill are under threat and the Diggers want rights of way established before the hill is closed off to the public for good. There will be an open day at the occupied site on Sunday, during which local residents will be invited to comment on these proposals. As the Diggers have now been served with an eviction notice, this may well be the last opportunity for local residents to see the hand-sculpted stone in place on Saint George's Hill.  

The open day will feature interactive drama, story-telling and music around the campfire, Diggers soup and other vegetarian food, wicker-weaving, games and face painting. There will be a children's play area and a discussion about the original Diggers 350 years ago.


THE DIGGERS' PROPOSAL

"To make the present site of the memorial stone off Old Avenue a permanent monument to Gerrard Winstanley and the Diggers, with guaranteed public rights of way to the site and on the hill, subject to the agreement of a suitable management plan. This plan should take account of: security of the stone, serenity of the site, planting of vegetables and flowers, wildlife and conservation, information boards and disabled access. 

The Diggers will leave when agreement has been reached on these proposals with local residents, land owners North Surrey Water, Saint George's Hill residents' association and the local council." 


NOTES TO EDITORS

1) The open day will be held at the Diggers site on Old Avenue, Saint George's Hill, Weybridge, Surrey on Sunday 11th April 1999 from 2.30 until 7pm. The site is approximately one mile from Weybridge railway station. Drivers are requested to leave their vehicles on Old Avenue outside the security gates and walk to the community, which is approximately half-a-mile up Old Avenue. 

2) Eviction notice -- The originating summons served at 7.15am on Thursday 8th April by agents for the North Surrey Water Company, whose land the Diggers are allegedly occupying, will be heard in the Chancery Division of the High Court in The Strand on Tuesday 13th April at 10.15am. 

ENDS





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