Transition Heathrow

What might be called a 'transition mashup' is developing down on the site of the proposed third runway at Sipson, the village which would be wiped out if the expansion goes ahead.

On the 1st of March a group of activists and locals occupied a derelict site due to be demolished for the runway. They intend to return it to use as a market garden not only for growing, but also for activities such as bike workshops, clothes making, solidarity support for local workers and direct action workshops for people trying to stop the third runway...

"Taking inspiration from other transition town projects, Transition Heathrow aims to draw out the juxtaposition of sustainability and airport expansion. The objective of Transition Heathrow is to build resilient communities equipped to deal with the impacts of climate change and peak oil. We aim to promote grassroots solutions led and controlled by those directly impacted on the ground, such as Heathrow workers and residents. This enables communities to feel empowered rather than simply suffering the consequences of the profit-driven decisions imposed by corporate government elites.

Bottom-up solutions can aid a just transition towards a sustainable and resilient Heathrow, whilst the top down solutions of the corporate government elites will only lead to maximum profits for a few at the expense of job losses, community destruction and environmental degradation.

Transition Heathrow hopes to bring together the democratic innovation of the Transition Town network within the workplace militancy of the labour movement and the self-defence of environmental direct activism. Combined with the tenacious resistance of local communities, the project aims to grow resilience that not only can see off future threats but can also bring Heathrow communities together."

http://www.transitionheathrow.com/blog-2

For a recent report of a visit to the site see:
http://www.ameliasmagazine.com/earth/activism-in-the-community-plain-stu...