GREEN activists shut down a petrol station in protest at plans to drill for oil in the arctic.

At 10.30am a Greenpeace group activated the emergency shutdown switch at the Shell garage in Southend Road, South Woodford, and removed a fuse to prevent pumps being reactivated.

The garage was closed for half an hour.

Greanpeace planned to target London's 105 shell stations on Monday in protest at plans to drill in the arctic circle.

The group claim Shell is planning to start drilling in the region in the coming weeks.

Greenpeace campaigner Sara Ayech said: “The oil giant Shell is preparing, for the first time, to unleash a drilling fleet of huge vessels upon the fragile and beautiful Arctic, home of the polar bears.

“It’s time to draw a line in the ice and tell Shell to stop.

“The Arctic must be saved, and made a global sanctuary where oil drilling is banned.”

A spokesman for Shell said: "Shell recognises that certain organisations are opposed to our exploration programme Offshore Alaska, and we respect the right of individuals and organisations to engage in a free and frank exchange of views about our operations.


"Recognising the right of individuals to express their point of view, we only ask that they do so with their safety and the safety of others, including the general public and Shell personnel, in mind.


"Shell has met with numerous organisations and individuals who oppose drilling offshore Alaska. We respect their views and value the dialogue. We have extended this same offer for productive dialogue to Greenpeace."
 

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