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Over 150
people turned out near the Air Balloon Inn on Monday 22 March 2004 to
demonstrate against a road proposal they fear would devastate the local
countryside with a five lane highway just as steep as the present one,
and result in the demolition of the local pub.
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This is a
mock-up of what the loop could look like in the future! And this is an
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Cotswold Edge!? |
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The
roundabout forms the junction between the A417 and the A429, and is on
the missing link in the mainly dual carriagewayed road from Swindon, via
Cirencester to Gloucester and Cheltenham at Junction 11a on the M5.
It is an accident blackspot. |
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Gloucestershire's
Ramblers joined locals and environmental groups including Friends of the
Earth and Transport 2000 in protesting against the Highways Agency's
proposals to scar the wonderful countryside of the Cotswolds AONB (Area
of Outstanding Natural Beauty).
Mavis Rear (left) said, "The real answer is a
tunnel. Get the thing underground, get rid of all the traffic that is
here, and we wouldn't get all these problems of lorries breaking down on
the steep gradient - and people could enjoy the tranquility and beauty
of the countryside!" |
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Ramblers
held aloft home-made signs and banners saying "Toot for a Tunnel"
and "Don't scar Crickley Hill". |
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They
demanded: "Safer footpath crossings" and "No new road".
Both the Cotwold Way National Trail and the Gloucestershire Way have
crossings near to the ancient inn. |
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John and
Mike encouraged the drivers to "Toot for a Tunnel"!
As trucks thundered past, the drivers beeping their
horns in support, demonstrators threw their arms in the air and cheered. |
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