FOUR people arrested after protesting outside the site of the Javelin Park incinerator last week, are facing prosecution for wilful obstruction of the highway, police said today.

They have all been reported for summons by Gloucestershire Police following the incident last week.

Of the protesters arrested, one man is aged 78, Two of the women are 45 and the other is 55-years-old.

All four are from Stroud.

Stroud District Green Party has spoken out in support of the four for taking a stand against the 'disastrous' incinerator project.

"We stand in solidarity with those who have been arrested at the peaceful demonstration at Javelin Park," a spokesman said.

"Stroud Greens will not stop standing up for residents and communities who do not want this disastrous project and the impact it will have for the environment and health."

Rachel Smith, Green County Councillor for Minchinhampton, said: "Civil disobedience has a long and honourable tradition.

"All democratic means of stopping the incinerator have been exhausted; indeed, the local democratic decision was over-ruled by central Government.

"Civil disobedience and non violent direct action are legitimate and necessary for the local community to continue to oppose this polluting, wasteful and backward project.

"The protest, which started as a sofa birthday party on Sunday, August 20 outside the main gate of the site, became a peaceful blockade.

"When the contractors, Urbaser Balfour Beatty (UBB) realised they would not be able to use the main gate, they bulldozed a second entrance, breaking up kerbstones in the process and breaching their planning consent by using a hastily constructed and possibly unsafe site entrance.

"Protesters then staged a sit-in at this second location, until they were asked to move. Four arrests were made on the grounds of obstructing the highway."

GCC has always held firm on its stance regarding the project.

Deputy leader of GCC Cllr Ray Theodoulou, said: "It is a good deal for residents - the incinerator will save taxpayers over £100m over its life, whilst protecting our environment by cutting CO2 emissions and ending our reliance on landfill."