East Cowes rooftop demonstration in support of Vestas' staff

A small band of protesters climbed around 30m onto the roof of the wind turbine company possessed workshops in East Cowes and set up camp at around 4am this morning.

Speaking to the Daily Echo from the roof via mobile phone, the protesters said they planned to continued their demonstration “for the long haul”.

One protester who asked to remain anonymous said: “We climbed up a rickety ladder at the back of the building at about 4am.

“We have climbing gear, lots of equipment including tents and plenty of food.

“We are well stocked for the long haul. We are going to be here indefinitely.”

The protester refused to reveal exactly how many are on the roof but said it was less than 10 and one was from the RMT union.

He added: “We came down to support the Newport occupation and decided to do our own bit to show support.

“We’re here to support the 625 workers who will lose their jobs and also the workers who were sacked for protesting at the Newport plant.

“We’re also here to send a message to the Government that they can’t let the country’s only significant wind turbine plant close if we are to build a low-carbon future.”

Ealier, staff at the Cowes plant were told not to turn up to work after protesters scaled the building.

All the gates at the site at Venture Quays, have been locked and no work will take place today.

The action is taking place in support of a group of workers who have been occupying a plant at Newport on the Isle of Wight for the past two weeks in a bid to prevent its closure with the loss of more than 600 jobs.

Protesters abseiled down the front of the building this morning to hang a banner on the building which read: “Vestas workers. Solidarity in occupation, fighting for green jobs.”

One of the workers said; "We are staying here until everyone is reinstated and the closure decision is reversed."

The protesters have erected tents on the roof of the building, which is visible from the Isle of Wight ferry.