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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
National
Heather Pickstock

'We woke up to pretty soggy tents' - XR activists remain on tower at City Hall in clean air protest

Green activists today remain on the roof of Bristol's City Hall in a protest over clean air which is now in its fourth day.

Five Extinction Rebellion members climbed on to the tower of the civic building on Thursday morning.

They are refusing to come down until Bristol City Council commits to ensuring legally clean air in every suburb of the city by April 2021.

(XRBristol)

Air pollution levels across Bristol have plummeted during lockdown due to less vehicles on the roads.

And the campaigners say the council should make a pledge for green air in the long term - as Government restrictions ease - and not just during lockdown.

The roof-top protest comes as part of a week long series of peaceful protests by the activists.

And today, despite strong winds and driving rains overnight, all five campaigners remain on the roof.

Support has come from across the city, with some supporters delivering meals to the campaigners.

(XRBristol)

Campaigner Pete Hughes: “The heavy rain came in about 9pm so we were all crowded together under a taped-up tarp eating a hot meal that had been cycled over by a young doctor who supports XR.

“Plus chocolate cake.

“Then we seized a gap in the downpour to make a dash for our tents.

“We had an ok night.

"It was chilly enough for everyone to be fully-clothed in their sleeping bags and we woke up to pretty soggy tents.

“Basically we're set up here in a giant gutter collecting all the water off the roof of City Hall, so we've had to do a bit of work with pipes to divert the water.

Five XR protesters on City Hall let off coloured smoke bombs (James Beck/Freelance)

“This morning we've been making the most of what sun there's been to get some clothing out to dry.

"We've done a morning clear-up and made everything ship-shape and done our daily inspection of gear and rigging-on.”

The group says they will remain on the building until the council gives clarification on its plans to improve air quality in Bristol.

Mr Hughes said: “We are still her for one simple reason.

“We want clarity on how the mayor and Bristol City Council plan to deliver clean, legally breathable, air throughout Bristol by April 2021.

“We recognise there are going to be challenges, and funding issues and red tape.

(James Beck/Freelance)

“But we have a unique moment of opportunity right now, while air pollution has been reduced.

“And we're happy to bring whatever pressure we can as XR Bristol to help our representatives to open doors and be able to deliver. But without that transparency from the mayor we can't let up.”

Campaigners say they have received support from people supporting their actions throughout the week.

People have been sending the group minute long video messages giving their support and tweets under the hashtag #rebelsontheroof.

And the group say they will keep going.

Extinction Rebellion want Bristol City Council to listen to their demands (Simon Holliday)

Mr Hughes: “People walking past below are being really supportive - we seem to be getting more support from people coming through College Green every day.

"And people at home are sending us messages - they seem to be really appreciative that someone's able to be taking action.

“So... we're still here. And keeping going."

 
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