'Disgusting' video opposing the Manchester congestion charge is scrapped

Reporter: Kirsty Rigg
Date online: 24/11/2008

A film protesting against the Manchester congestion charge has been slammed as 'beyond belief' because it shows extreme footage of a girl being assaulted.

The video, released by supporters of the Greater Manchester Momentum Group, shows a girl pleading with her father to pick her up from the Trafford Centre as she fears she is being followed – but her father refuses because he can not afford the congestion charge. Subsequently the girl is assaulted.

The intense film was withdrawn after its existence was highlighted by a Yes Campaign supporter.

Rochdale Councillor Colin Lambert said: "Whoever released this video should be ashamed. 

"This type of campaigning deserves to be in the gutter and so does the person who allowed it."

Commenting, Yes Campaign Chairman Lis Phelan said: “For members of the ‘No’ Campaign to use images of violence against women to promote their campaign is beyond belief. I simply cannot understand how the Trafford Centre allowed such a disgusting video to be produced on their premises.

“Everyone associated with the official ‘No’ Campaign should immediately disassociate themselves from its production”.

Greater Manchester Rape Awareness Week was launched today (Monday 24 November).