Ambridge residents took to the hills last week (24 June), in opposition to the Route B option of the proposed Borchester to Hollerton relief road.
A community bonfire and barbecue on popular beauty spot Lakey Hill developed near-pagan overtones, in scenes reminiscent of the 1970s cult film The Wicker Man.
Photo: “It’s ‘guy, guy’ Route B”, hopes Ben Archer (12) of Brookfield Farm, as he holds an effigy said to represent the aggressive developers behind the new road scheme.
Villagers chanted as the figure of a man – supposedly the spirit of the business interests connected with the road plans – was consumed by the fire. Placards brandished by locals reinforced the message, bearing slogans such as “No to Route B” and “Save the Am Vale Environment”.
Attendance at the event was estimated at over 100, although one resident claimed that a further five million were “listening in”.
Photo: The effigy goes up in flames to the echo of angry chanting.
Page 14: “...This beautiful jewel must be preserved...” Local author Jennifer Aldridge extols the delights of Ambridge, the village threatened by business interests with links right to the heart of Borsetshire.
