HAI anti-incinerator protest march – Saturday, 24 September 2011
The Hatfield Against Incineration (HAI) campaign group organised a protest march against Veolia's Hertfordshire County Council backed incinerator. It started from the High View shopping arcade (Hilltop) in South Hatfield and made its way to White Lion Square, Hatfield town centre. It is believed to be the largest demonstration by residents in Hatfield's history.
Residents assembling at High View Shopping Parade (Hilltop) before the start of the march.
HAI secretary, former LibDem candidate, and UH Professor Paul Zukowskyj, addresses marchers before they set off.
Marchers set off from High View. Along with residents are members of Friends of the Earth, who are opposed to incineration as it not as environmentally friendly as recycling, and has potentially harmful effects and by-products.
Marchers exit High View and head down Bishops Rise.
Another view of marchers leaving High View and heading down Bishops Rise.
Group of marchers at the junction with The Downs
Another section of the march on Bishops Rise crossing the junction with Lark Rise.
Marchers in front of St Peter's Church, Bishop rise. Filming them from across the road is HAI chairman Simon Archer.
Head of the march just past the former Veolia Water site on Bishops Rise.
Grant Shapps MP and Paul Zukowskyj at the head of the march.
Section of the march which attracted old and young, and people of all backgrounds. Closest to the camera is a Hatfield Review placard. The Hatfield Review was revived this year as a community newspaper (www.hatfieldreview.co.uk).
Marchers passing the Coop and shops on Bishops Rise.
The mobile sound system belted out such hits as 'Relight my fire' and 'Disco Inferno'. Mark Lampert, who also organised the clean up of Bunchleys Pond in June, is walking alongside as one of the march stewards.
Section of the marchers crossing the junction with Maryland, Labour WHBC councillor Kieran Thorpe waves to the camera. The Welwyn Hatfield Labour placard carried alongside reads: "Hatfield Says No to the Toxic Tory Incinerator". Possibly the cause of an earlier seemingly heated exchange with Conservative WHBC councillor Kim Langley at High View.
Marchers along Cavendish Way.
Section of the march along Cavendish Way seen from Feather Dell.
Another view of the march along Cavendish Way and Feather Dell.
One of the placards carried down Cavendish Way. It reads: "No to Veolia Incinerator, Recycling Yes. Veolia an environmental disservice".
View of the marchers, looking back along Cavendish Way and Feather Dell.
Marchers entering the underpass entrance opposite the swim centre, at the junction with Briars Lane.
The unsung hero of HAI, former teacher Cathy Roe, seen here acting as a steward.
Marchers passing through the underpass.
Marchers in the underpass tunnel leading to the town centre.
Marchers emerging out of underpass exit leading to Hatfield Swim Centre and The Common.
Marchers outside the exit – back at ground level
View ahead – towards The Common
Marchers walking along The Common
Marchers crossing The Common – looking back
Marchers making their way into the town centre. A decade after Hatfield was supposed to get a new town centre all there is a demolished Jim MacDonald Centre (former Robin Hood) and a facelift underway for Queensway House. Both of these only started this year – after it was pointed out that while the Borough Council claimed it didn't have funds for Hatfield it had spent over £7 million pounds on capital projects improving Welwyn Garden City (with less than £300K spent on Hatfield).
Click here for: HAI Protest March – Part 2
Back to: Hatfield Photo Gallery – Part 3