Cyclists
came from as far afield as Oxford , Witney and Bicester
to assemble at Radley before riding to the threatened
lake. Some people came dressed as frogs and one prominent
member of Save Radley Lakes came with her bike bedecked
with balloons and with a large sign emblazoned with
the words “Switch from npower”, a message that was repeated
on the apparel of many of the participants. The protest
then rode the SUSTRANS cycleway from Radley to Abingdon.
The route passed by npower's “fortress Sandles”, once
a family home on the northern edge of Thrupp Lake ,
and continued along the shore of the lake. In glorious
sunshine and under the watchful eye of a circling Peregrine
Falcon - one of the many protected species that inhabit
the area - the contingent paused to take in the views
across the lake and wonder upon the folly of the commercial
imperatives that threaten the destruction of such a
beautiful place.
The
cycle protest ended in Abingdon Town Square , where
the riders were greeted by the Save Radley Lakes Water
Vole. The Water Vole, a renowned swimmer, has not yet
mastered the art of cycling, but, unlike RWE npower,
is known to be a great recycler of everything possible.
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Mr
Andy Boddington, CPRE Campain Manager, addressed
the throng in the Town Square saying:
"RWE
npower has been recycling ash for two years and should
do more. Everyone is asked to recycle more these days
and that's what npower should be doing, instead of
trying to carry out a cheaper option."
Mr
Roger Thomas of Save Radley Lakes told the gathering:
"Don't
let RWE npower get away with spoiling what is a wonderful
wildlife feature. People should switch from using
npower to another energy provider. Hit the company
in its pocket - it's the only language they understand."
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