Three women chain themselves to trees beside Whitstable railway track

by Jess Banham

Three women fined for chaining themselves to a tree beside a railway track have had the money paid by kind-hearted supporters - who each donated £1.

The trio had been considering their legal options before paying the three £50 fixed penalty notices over the protest.

But a group of 150 residents each donated £1 to cover the fines.

It comes as campaigners hold another protest and meet with Network Rail
representatives at Whitstable Castle tonight.

Protestor Julie Wassmer, of Cromwell Road, Whitstable, said: "We didn’t know anything about it and were incredibly touched that 150 people had not only collected what they called 'the solidarity pound', but also presented us with a scroll that had all their names on it and an inscription in support of our ‘courageous’ actions.

"It was not only very welcome financially, but a wonderful show of solidarity from the whole community."

The trio were among 100 people with placards campaigning against plans to clear embankments beside the line in Whistable in May.

Campaigners said the trees, which are behind Cromwell Road, are home to dozens of pairs of breeding birds.

Network Rail bosses then decided to delay any clearance work until September after finding evidence of rare birds nesting beside the track.

However, campaigners are adamant a full public consultation must go ahead before the company returns.