GREENPEACE volunteers staged a peaceful protest outside a Christchurch petrol station at the weekend as part of a worldwide campaign.
Around 12 campaigners congregated near the Shell petrol station on Barrack Road on Saturday afternoon to encourage motorists to support their movement to stop Shell drilling for oil in the Arctic this summer.
The group, including one dressed as a polar bear, held banners and leaflets and urged passing motorists to beep their horns if they supported the Greenpeace global week of action, which saw similar protests taking place in Mexico, Argentina, France, Sweden, Finland and Edinburgh.
Alasdair Keddie, a Greenpeace volunteer from Bournemouth, said: “So far it’s been brilliant, we have had a really good turnout as well.
“It’s been a brilliant response from the public. The local police came down to make sure we weren’t causing any issues with people getting in and out of the station.
“We’re doing it by the book. This is not about this particular filling station but about the company, Shell.
“The main objective is to raise awareness about the drilling in the Arctic.
“The Arctic is a fragile and beautiful place. An oil spill there would be catastrophic. It is one of the last pristine environments on earth.”
A Shell spokesperson said: “Shell recognises that certain organisations are opposed to our exploration programme offshore Alaska, and we respect the right of individuals and organisations to engage in a free and frank exchange of views about our operations.
“Recognising the right of individuals to express their point of view, we only ask that they do so with their safety and the safety of others, including the general public and Shell personnel in mind.”
