Plymouth Fossil Fools Day action 01/04/08

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FUEL PROTEST FORCES PETROL STATION TO SHUT

Seven people were arrested yesterday when climate change protesters forced a city centre petrol station to close for almost two hours, writes Edd Moore.

Police and fire services were called to the Esso service station in Exeter Street at around 3pm when 50 protesters - some dressed as clowns and penguins - took to the streets with banners, whistles and drums.

Three people hung a banner from the roof of the petrol station and refused to come down while others lay in the forecourt entrance, blocking traffic and forcing the garage's closure.

An Esso spokesman said: "We deplore the disregard the demonstrators showed for safety and the law. We urge them to make protests peacefully and legally."

John Castle, legal observer for Rising Tide, which organised the 'Fossil Fools' event, said: "This protest is about raising awareness - it's a shame about the arrests and the people wanting to get on with their daily lives but if just six people change their ways then it's been worth it."

The seven demonstrators have been released by police.

Two men, both aged 22 from Plymouth, and a 21-year-old woman from Totnes, who climbed on to the roof were arrested for causing a public nuisance. They were released on police bail and are due to return to Charles Cross police station on May 6.

A further four people were arrested for breaching the peace. Three were released with no further action and one - a 43-year-old man from Plymouth - was given a fixed penalty notice.