Barry protest

Peter Collins was waiting for us - expect us to be slhim in the paper tomorrow!

John Smith MP nowhere to be seen!

Barry exhibition of plans for Military academy sparks protest

Apr 4 2009 by Peter Collins, South Wales Echo

A GROUP of protesters staged a demonstration against the £12bn Defence Training Academy when an exhibition of the scheme was staged in Barry.

The protesters, consisting mainly of members of Barry and Vale Friends of the Earth and the No to Military Academy group, unfurled banners outside Barry Memorial Hall Theatre where the exhibition was being held yesterday.

Anne Greagsby, of the No to Military Academy group, said: “There are better ways of boosting the economy.”

She said claims by First Minister Rhodri Morgan there was “overwhelming public support” for the college were greatly exaggerated.

Phil Kingston, of the Penarth Campaign Against the Arms Trade, said: “Major players in this are arms traders and to have them running something that should be independent of business interests seems to be to be a conflict of interest.”

He said the armed forces from some “disreputable” countries would be trained at the college.

A steady trickle of people visited the exhibition.

Albert Tudor, 83, of Queen Street, Barry said: “To me it is a good thing for all sorts of reasons. It is an ideal place for all our armed services and it will also benefit the economy of the area.”