French ship faces green protest

Local green campaigners are protesting the imminent arrival of an asbestos-tainted French aircraft carrier here, where it is to be dismantled after being rejected by India.

But others argue the task of taking apart the Clemenceau will provide much-needed work, at a time when jobs are being cut across the country due to the global slowdown.

The ageing carrier, a former flagship of the French navy now known simply as hull Q790, could be towed within the next week to Hartlepool, northeastern England, where shipbreakers Able UK plan to finally dismantle it.

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