Lake protesters evicted from site

Pumping of waste into Thrupp Lake is due to start later this year

Environmental protesters have been evicted from a house they occupied as part of a campaign to protect lakes in Oxfordshire.

RWE Npower has planning permission to fill Radley Lakes with waste ash from Didcot Power Station.

A group hoping to stop the work took over Sandles, a house belonging to RWE Npower, which adjoins Thrupp Lake.

The group, who were squatting, were evicted in the morning and one man was arrested for obstruction.

Campaign continues

Chf Insp Dennis Evernden, of Thames Valley Police, said: "This was a peaceful and safe operation.

"Our role was to observe the eviction, prevent any breach of the peace, and ensure the right to peaceful protest was balanced with people's right to go about their lawful business."

Last week, Npower served a notice to evict the protesters.

The company has said the work is necessary to safeguard the future of electricity generation at Didcot Power Station.

But the protesters have said they will continue their campaign to save the lakes and its wildlife and are looking for the backing of other environmental groups.