Eco-warriors mark two-year demo

The protesters have been living in the woods for two years

Environmental campaigners have marked two years of their campaign to save woodland in West Sussex by gathering on the steps of Worthing Town Hall.

Treetop protesters moved into Titnore Wood in May 2006, after the land was earmarked for 875 new houses, a supermarket and new road.

Up to 210 threatened trees appeared to be spared when plans were changed.

They said their protest party came with "a wave of optimism" because there had been "no attempt to dislodge them".

'Lost cause'

Spokesman for Worthing Eco-Action Dave Phillips said there had been no attempt to move protesters, whose occupation was ruled illegal in August 2006, and no sign of a planning application by developers.

He said: "Local people are concluding this is a 'lost cause' that can now be won."

Campaigners first built two 30ft (9m) tree houses, and later added communal sheds and shacks for sleeping.

Landowner Clem Somerset won a court ruling in July 2006 for campaigners to be evicted.

The protesters took their fight to the High Court, claiming that the case had been rushed, but the court ruled against them saying eviction could go ahead.