Protester fenced in by workmen (From Stroud News and Journal)

Protester fenced in by workmen

A LONE protester who was fenced in by developers when he tried to stop workmen digging up a children's playing field has been ordered by a judge to pay them £300.

Father of four, Graham Stanley, 48, was told to pay legal costs incurred by Stroudwater Re-development Partnership Ltd during its efforts to get an injunction banning him from the building site.

Earlier this week, workmen got so fed up with the electronic engineer's protest campaign that they erected a 6ft fence around him so he could not get in their way.

Mr Stanley remained defiant standing on a bench inside the cage with a mug of tea and a brolly to keep him dry.

The narrow strip of grass used by local children as a play area is part of a multi-million pound scheme to link the Severn and Thames canal networks.

Although a supporter of the scheme, Mr Stanley said work has started too early.

As well as paying the legal costs he has also had to promise not to go within two metres of the building project.

Despite the ruling Mr Stanley has vowed to continue the protest by other means. "Clearly this matter isn't going to go away. The publicity and support we have got for our protest has been significant."

Alhough the area of land is not large, Mr Stanley said that by digging it up so early developers have robbed local families of a valuable amenity.

"It is a grassy area that is used by local kids." he said.

"We're not against the land being developed in principle, but by digging it up now we will be left with a 150 yard strip of mud and nowhere for the kids to go this summer.

"This work could have been done in a completely different sequence and after informing locals what was happening."

Graham said his protest against the developers had started in a light-hearted manner but had ended up in court.