A GRANDMOTHER and long-time peace campaigner has been refused permission to attend weekly demonstrations she helps organise at a United States spy base.

Lindis Percy, 60, one of the leaders of the Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases, has for two years spent two hours on Tuesday evenings peacefully protesting outside the main entrance to the base.

But Harrogate magistrates yesterday effectively banned her from continuing.

Percy, who denied failing to leave an area of the base covered by bye-laws as soon as practicable when directed by the Ministry of Defence Police, lost a bid to have her bail conditions varied. Percy, a midwife and health visitor, from Hull, was bailed immediately after her arrest, providing she did not go within 200 metres of the base.

As she tried to get the court restriction lifted, Percy told the court: "It is important citizens are allowed to protest. By putting on this bail condition, I am unable to do that."

But presiding magistrate Mary Tennant ruled that the 200 yards condition would remain and told Percy: "Your presence is not necessary in a peaceful demonstration. You can demonstrate 200 yards away so you are not denied the right to protest.''

The hearing was adjourned until September 23.