Environmental protesters create mock pedestrianised zone in Tring High Street

Members of Extinction Rebellion Tring created a mock pedestrianised zone on Tring High Street on Sunday morning.
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The green, orange and pink chalk markings were there to provoke thought and discussion on what part Tring could play in meeting Dacorum Borough Council’s target of carbon neutrality by 2030.

A spokesperson for XR Tring said: "We as a group decided to do a demonstration to raise awareness on the necessity of reducing the emission of carbon dioxide.

"On Sunday morning, we decided to make some prints on small section of Tring High Street to raise awareness of the issue.

XR Tring drew bikes and pedestrians on the High Street with washable chalkXR Tring drew bikes and pedestrians on the High Street with washable chalk
XR Tring drew bikes and pedestrians on the High Street with washable chalk

"We drew pedestrians and bicycles on the road, using washable chalk, we would like to reassure people that the chalk paint is not permanent and will wash away in the rain.

"We have been talking to councillors.

"Climate breakdown is no longer a distant issue, it is happening now, and we are running out of time.

"These symbols are nothing compared to the emergency many of us, and our children will face during our lifetime. Covid today, climate breakdown tomorrow.

XR Tring drew bikes and pedestrians on the High Street with washable chalkXR Tring drew bikes and pedestrians on the High Street with washable chalk
XR Tring drew bikes and pedestrians on the High Street with washable chalk

"As the nation comes out of lockdown and we all see the benefits of the reduction in pollution, Extinction Rebellion’s #nogoingback campaign is about questioning the logic of returning to the way things were, with low job security, racial and social inequality, and a beckoning climate crisis.

"We need to restructure our economy to prioritise people and the planet.

"Many people were supportive of what we did and why we did it, and of course some were not. However, we are disappointed and particularly saddened to find that permanent and senseless graffiti now marks Tring High Street.

"While we accept not everyone will agree with what we have done, we used chalk paints which will wash away in the rain at no cost to tax payers, however the same cannot be said to the graffiti.’

XR Tring drew on the High Street with washable chalkXR Tring drew on the High Street with washable chalk
XR Tring drew on the High Street with washable chalk

"Our intentions were positive and we are saddened that it may have provoked a negative response from individuals who were not prepared to treat Tring with the same consideration.’

A spokesperson for Dacorum Borough Council said: "We can confirm that Dacorum Borough Council is actively working to ensure that it meets its target to be zero carbon in its operations by 2030 and to work with the community, government and businesses to achieve a net zero carbon borough by 2050 in line with national targets."