South Somerset Extinction Rebellion activists protest in Yeovil town centre

The South Somerset Extinction Rebellion group were demanding greater action on the climate emergency and an end to fossil fuels, during their demonstration in Yeovil.

Members of the group were holding signs saying 'no to fossil fuels' and 'come to the table' - inviting people walking by to join them and discuss tackling climate change.

Amanda Acland, a local activist who took part, said: “We are inviting everyone to come to the table and take part in the kind of grown-up conversations that government, the media and industry are refusing.

"When those in positions of power fail us, it is the responsibility of the people to step up. We believe everyone deserves a seat at the table to have a say in how to tackle the greatest crisis of our times.”

The protestors were also joined by a group of 'red rebels' - an activist troupe who walked through the town centre, and stopped at MP for Yeovil, Marcus Fysh's office,forming a tableau.

Brenda Langworthy, a member of the red rebels, said: “The goal of the Red Brigade is to symbolise the common blood we share with all species.We move as one, slowly, silently, witnessing protests and providing a visual spectacle.”

The protestors also drew attention to the proposals to build new gas fuelled power stations in Yeovil and Crewkerne.

The plans, by Conrad Energy, will see ‘peaker plants’ built at Yeovil Pen Mill Trading Estate and Crewkerne Blackwell Lane Trading Estate.

Michael Fox, a resident of Crewkerne and a member of South Somerset Extinction Rebellion, said: “We discovered several months ago that there were proposals to build these new power stations, and unfortunately planning permission had already been granted by South Somerset District Council.

“We believe that building new gas-fuelled power stations which will cause an increase in CO2 emissions is simply unacceptable in the present climate emergency.

"As well as higher levels of air pollutants which can cause adverse health effects such as respiratory symptoms, cardiovascular disease and cancer, there is also the potential for water pollution which could pose a risk to local residents.

“Building new fossil fuel power plants of any type is completely unacceptable in the current climate crisis, we need energy solutions that are fit for the 21st century.”

The protest follows the theme of the recent two weeks of protests in London by Extinction Rebellion, which saw tables being set up across the capital inviting people throughout the city to talk about the climate and ecological emergency.

You can sign the petition against the Conrad Energy plants here: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/conradpetition.

Chris Shears, Conrad Energy’s development director, said: "Conrad Energy shares the passion of the protesters in Yeovil last Thursday to urgently tackle climate change – it is the biggest global challenge we face.

"Our small, flexible generation installations are built specifically to support increasing amounts of variable renewable generation.

"Last week has been a good example of why flexible back up is required. The UK experienced very low wind and solar generation levels and our installations helped bridge the gap and maintain the country’s power supply.

"At Conrad Energy, we are investing heavily in battery storage and solar however the reality is without back up we risk having periods with insufficient electricity to keep the lights on. 

"We engaged with South Somerset District Council and regulatory agencies through the planning process for our installations in Yeovil and Crewkerne. Both sites are located in zoned industrial areas and will operate to the highest industry standards including stringent noise and emission requirements.”