Despite being 82 years old, Anne Power, from Chorlton, turned up at the Barton Moss anti-fracking protests in Salford virtually every day during freezing weather and during much police intimidation.
Last December, after some particularly aggressive policing by the Greater Manchester Police Tactical Aid Unit, Anne told the Salford Star "There's definitely loads more police than were needed. I didn't feel threatened, although I certainly did last week when they were pushing right in my back all the way.
"I'm a Green Party member and we are the only political party that is totally against fracking" she added "It's yet another con by the rich on the poor, destroying the whole environment. It's totally outrageous because it's backed by the Government in secret. They're rushing it through, selling off England because they don't care. There was one of them on the tv, gloating because the whole North West was ripe for fracking."
This week Anne won the Local Hero Award at the Observer Ethical Awards, based on readers' votes, and Green Party Leader, Natalie Bennett, paid tribute to the Barton Moss favourite…
"I'd like to congratulate Anne on this well-deserved recognition" she said "She's been a stalwart of the anti-fracking movement, on the front line day after day, and I've seen first-hand how her passion and commitment to the cause is inspiring many others of all ages.
"She's acting out of altruism, a concern not for herself but for future generations, and that model of dedication is one that we must celebrate and encourage."
As well as being distinctive on the protests, carrying her Green Party flag or anti-fracking placard and walking stick, Anne helped to clear up the Barton Moss Camp when the current protest ended, and has since been present at the subsequent court cases.
• Meanwhile this week, the Crown Prosecution Service discontinued cases, dropped cases or the defendant was found not guilty in a variety of charges against another eight protectors. Earlier this week, four involved with the Big Orange Bus protest last December (see previous Salford Star article – click here) were found guilty of obstructing an inspector in the execution of his duty and fined an extortionate £915 each with a six month conditional discharge. This now brings the total of Barton Moss cases dropped, dismissed or the defendants found not guilty to 31, with a mere seven successful prosecutions.
Photo by Steven Speed
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