Second protest over gas pipeline

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A second protest is under way against plans for a gas pipeline being built through south and west Wales.

A small group of protesters have gathered at the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Milford Haven.

Another group have been occupying a section of pipeline under construction in the Swansea Valley since Monday.

When complete, the pipeline will run 150 miles (241km) from Milford Haven to Gloucestershire carrying gas to supply one-fifth of the UK's energy needs.

Protesters have said they want the pipeline abandoned and claim it has caused significant damage.

Caroline Davidson, a spokeswoman for National Grid, who are building the pipe, said: "Regarding the report of a small number of protesters in the working area at Waterston [near Milford Haven], we're currently unaware of their concerns and are happy to discuss them to find an amicable solution.

[The Newbury bypass] went through all the woodland I used to play in as a kid Nick, protester

"Safety is paramount in all aspects of the National Grid's work and we're concerned for the safety of the protesters in close proximity to our construction site."

Environmental campaigners first moved onto the construction site at Pontardawe in the Swansea Valley, early on Monday.

They were also calling for environmentally-friendly sources of energy to be used rather than fossil fuels. Several protesters are staying inside the pipeline there although the landowner has asked them to leave.

The protesters in Milford Haven have said they are showing solidarity with the group in Pontardawe.

The protesters have been asked to leave the site

On Wednesday night, people from Trebanos near the site of the Pontardawe protest met some of the activists and have now introduced a "green ribbon" campaign to show their support for the action.

Although landowner Ira Wynne Jones has formally asked the protesters to leave, they claim "squatters' rights" give them a legal right to stay - and live - in the pipe.

One protester, known only as Nick, has taken time off work to be at Pontardawe, saying he was motivated by experiences from his childhood.

He told BBC Wales: "I grew up in the town of Newbury and the bypass went through there.

"That was 10 years ago. It went through all the woodland I used to play in as a kid and I got involved in that protest when I was 17."

David Mercer from the National Grid said: "The key for me here is to ensure [the protesters] safety on our construction site and I would like to keep talking to them.

"We do sincerely hope we an reach an amicable solution."