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Camphill maintains objection to Milltimber route |
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On December 1, 2005, the Minister for Transport announced a revised route for the Aberdeen bypass. After 12 years of objection to the "Murtle" route it was a relief for Camphill Aberdeen City and Shire, although the threat is not completely averted. The huge support motivated by the Save Camphill campaign clearly helped to persuade the authorities that the "Murtle" route – which would have impacted severely on two 400-strong communities – was the one that Camphill could not live with. However, the new route passes close to Camphill Rudolf Steiner Shools' Camphill Estate, the original Camphill community which inspired and gave its name to the worldwide Camphill Movement. Camphill is waiting for full details of the route and the proposed mitigation measures to assess whether the impact of this route will be manageable. The Camphill Estate is home to some 40 children with complex ladditional support needs, including autism, and the co-workers who live with them and care for them.
Many are severely agitated and stressed by noise that we might take for granted. At the same time they are often fascinated by traffic, yet unaware of its danger. Perpetual noise, movement, stress and pollution from the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route could:
Camphill Aberdeen City and Shire and the Camphill Estate in particular is now the centre of inspiration for more than 90 communities in 21 countries.
If the road encroaches on Camphill Estate, it would inevitable damage the therapeutic environment that has helped thousands of children, young people and adults to achieve their potential. Dr Lorna Wing, a world expert on autism, explains: The Camphill communities provide an ideal environment for children and adults with autistic disorders, who have very special needs. One of their specific requirements is an environment providing peace and tranquillity." Professor Roy Brown, an international expert on disability issues who has served on government committees in the UK, Canada and Australia, points out that the impact of the road is not just on those with special needs. He says: "For some families it would be devastating not to have the support and the environment of Camphill for their children." The Save Camphill campaign generated widespread public, political and celebrity support. These supporters are now awaiting the assessment of the potential impact of the road on Camphill Estate with concern. Save Camphill recognises there are economic arguments for a new road. But it must not be built at the cost of destroying the lives of vulnerable children and threatening the work of six decades.
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| Save Camphill supporters | |||
 Timmy Mallett, whose brother Martin is a Camphill resident in Aberdeen. Rolf Harris, pictured with Martin Mallett. Jeremy Paxman, who spent a day with Camphill in Aberdeen. Trudie Goodwin (Sgt June Ackland of The Bill), whose sister-in-law is a resident. Lorraine Kelly, who understands the difficulties of autism from her work as patron New Struan House. Ian Rankin, best-selling author whose younger son has Angelman Syndrome. Neil Fox, DJ and TV presenter  Michaela Strachan, TV wildlife presenter |
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Newton Dee, a centre of the Camphill Village Trust, is a registered charity, number 232402. Camphill Rudolf Steiner Schools, a member of the Association of Camphill Communities and Camphill Scotland, is a registered charity, number SCO15588.
Camphill Aberdeen City and Shire |
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Camphill
Medical Practice is a registered charity, number SCO016291.