Residents Against SARP Pollution

Residents Against SARP Pollution (RASP) was formed in June 1998 in response to two incidents of toxic gases escaping the SARP UK chemical plant in May 1998, in the town of Killamarsh on the border of South Yorkshire and Derbyshire, England. The campaign was formed by local residents and members of the Socialist Party (England and Wales). The campaign eventually succeeded in forcing the closure of most of the SARP plant.

Formation of RASP
After a public meeting called by the Socialist Party (England and Wales), Ken Coates MEP, who was invited to speak, called for further meetings, which gave rise to the campaign, and also set up an independent inquiry into the site.

The year-long campaign involved marches and rooftop protests. RASP protesters even travelled to SARP's headquarters in France to protest.

Victory
The campaigners eventually won the closure of six of the seven sections of the site in late 1999, with the local council looking at siting non-toxic recycling processes on the site.

Campaign Officers
Chair - Kevin Jones

Secretary - Faye Moran

Treasurer - Pat Whitehouse

Vice Chair - Roger Barraclough

Membership Secretary - Samantha Martin

Press Officer - John Moran

Campaigns Officer - Alistair Tice

Legal Officer - Bev Smith

Youth Organisers - Tracey Nettleship, Emma Horsford

Publicity Officer - Trevor Cockerill

Contacts for the Townships:-

Beighton - Dave Milsom

Wales/Kiveton - Mike Sampson

Swallownest - Paul Marshall