A GROUNDSWELL of opinion in Kendal opposing war in Iraq has led to plans for further demonstrations and the creation of the town's own branch of the Stop The War Coalition.

A meeting due to take place in Kendal last night (Thursday) was expected to see the new group formed to unite various peace activist organisations under one banner.

Its first activity will be to co-ordinate local demonstrations during a coalition-organised nationwide day of action on February 15.

In Kendal, it is proposed to form a human chain around part of the town centre, hold a vigil at the war memorial and invite members of the public to sign anti-war postcards which would be sent to key Government ministers.

The establishment of the group follows another demonstration in Kendal at the weekend when a peace vigil was held at The Birdcage, in Finkle Street.

Members of the United Nations Association for South Lakeland, CND, the Religious Society of Friends and other campaigners collected between 300 and 400 signatures for a petition, which was sent to Prime Minister Tony Blair.

UNASL spokesman Luckshan Abeysuriya said: "It was another very successful day. There was a tremendous amount of support from people, the young people in particular ran to it without invitation. What we are saying is war should only be the final, final option."

In a statement issued ahead of Thursday night's meeting, anti-war campaigner John Coopey said Brian Walker, former director of Oxfam, would address the audience on war and poverty.

Mr Coopey said those wishing to take part in the February 15 event should go to the Lecture Hall of the United Reform Church, Highgate, between 9.30am and 11am that day.

n Letters P15.

February 7, 2003 09:00