Power plant: one arrested

Published on 12th October 2006 in News

Police back on patrol around the Drax perimeter.

The police presence at Drax power station was stepped up once again this week after a woman was arrested near to the site in the early hours of Monday.

Police said that the woman was apparently equipped to cause criminal damage, but stressed that she had not entered the Drax site.

There has been an increase in police patrols in the area since some 600 demonstrators descended on the power station on August 31 for a mass day of action, in an attempt to disrupt operations.

Taxpayer to fund cost of power station protection?

At the time of the demonstration there were public concerns about the cost to the taxpayer of the large number of police officers drafted in from across the country to maintain public order.

Doreen Davies, a Selby Town and District councillor, said this week that she was frequently asked by members of the public about the increased police presence at the protest, and what it could mean for the ratepayer.

She added: "The ratepayer of next year's police precept is paying enough already.

"I am of the belief, with others, that Drax power station is well known to have made massive profits over the last two years and should give a token sum from profits to the North Yorkshire Police Authority to assist the ratepayers of North Yorkshire."