I’m very pleased to hear that many Hoo residents are totally against coal. For me, the best thing about last year’s camp was the support and involvement of those living nearby.

Why go on holiday? There are lots of reasons - but how about: to experience a different culture, to learn about things outside of your everyday life, to spend time in a friendly and supportive environment. By comparing climate camp to a holiday I’m really suggesting that it’s a positive thing to do!

I understand that it’s worrying, not knowing what to expect. I think if I hadn’t had any experience of the camp and heard it was coming to my part of the world I might be worried about being ‘inundated’. Amazingly enough, though, most of the people at the camp will be pretty normal, will be very worried about new coal, and would rather not see Kingsnorth being around for another 40 years. In other words - they’re probably a lot like you.

I would guess that it’s a similar situation to last year - residents from Sipson, next to Heathrow where the camp was held, were initially a bit skeptical - but ended up being amazingly supportive of the camp - not surprising when you consider they are facing having their homes flattened to build a new runway.

It would be hard to find a more conscientious bunch when it comes to low-impact camping. Campers go out of their way to leave the site in a better condition than it was found. All rubbish is taken away and recycled, water is cleaned before it’s returned to the ground. (Have a look… http://www.minimouse.me.uk/exhibition/24.html) People spend their time in the camp, so that’s the only place they’ll be inundating.

Campers will be interested in the power station, not your village. There will be plenty of other times to visit Kent as tourists, (I hear it’s pretty nice) but we’re interested in coal - and the Kingsnorth power station is the line in the sand. Come along to the camp and see what it’s about. I hope, like the residents of Sipson, that you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Yrs,

The Admin