Hayes By-Pass - Labour Party Demand 1984

Hayes Bypass was fought for by the local Hayes Labour Party for many years, but credit must go to campaigners such as Ossie Garvin, Peter Fagan and John McDonnell in forcing it through to conclusion.

The protest above dates from 1984

The Hayes Gazette records that

Peak-hour traffic was held up in Hayes Town Centre on Thursday evening by Hayes Bypass demonstrators.

Protesters, led by Greater London Council deputy leader Mr John McDonnell, marched across and, at one stage, sat in the middle of a zebra crossing near Pump Lane as a demonstration against what they claim is the minister's delay in giving her decision on the Bypass inquiry report.

The protest lasted about 20 minutes. Police arrived soon after it ended but there was no trouble.

Scandalous

Mr Ginger Evans, a member of the local Hayes Labour Party's management committee, was among the protesters, who included Hillingdon Council Labour Party leader Cllr Peter Fagan.

He said: "Most of the people we talked to in their cars seemed to be sympathetic because they agreed that there should be a Hayes Bypass."

Mr John McDonnell, who is also the GLC member for Hayes and Harlington, said: "The demonstration was to draw people's attention to the fact that all we need is the go-ahead from the minister. The money is there and all the contacts are ready to go."

He added that it was scandalous that ministers had sat on the inquiry inspector's report for more than seven months and that every day that passed without a decision meant that local residents had to put up with the "din, dirt and danger" from heavy through traffic that should be on the bypass.

 
"There have been no delays preventing the go ahead from the GLC side.

Mr McDonnell added: "We have done everything we can to speed up this project and get the work started and now we want to hear the minister say 'Yes' to

the scheme so we can get on with the task of providing this valuable new road link."

A Transport Department spokesman said that the department and the Environment Department still had the inspector's report and that it was hoped that an announcement would be made as soon as possible.

NOTE

Photo

Left to right Eric "Ginger" Evans, unknown?, Chris Rogers, George Philpot, John McDonnell (sitting) Steve Clare and behind (unseen) the last poster on right one Michael Walker

Circa 1984