Vestas win eviction order but protesters vow to stay

Protesters fighting to keep a wind turbine factory open have vowed to continue occupying the site despite a judge granting the owners a possession order.


Yesterday (4 August) Vestas were granted the order at Newport County Court for the eviction of around 25 workers from their Isle of Wight wind turbine blade factory.

The factory was due to close at the end of last month and the protesters have now been occupying it for 16 days – as they try to save more than 600 jobs.

Vestas now has to apply for a warrant of possession, which if granted, would allow bailiffs to physically evict the protesters.

Bob Crow, general secretary of the RMT which has supported the workers and was in court, said: “We’re calling for an urgent government intervention to save the plant and to show the country that they are walking the talk when it comes to green jobs and renewable energy.

“A deal to rescue the Kintyre turbine factory was done with the support of the Scottish Parliament earlier this year when Vestas pulled the plug – the same could be done again.”

Vestas have claimed a lack of demand for the decision to close the site.

Luke Walsh

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