A FUEL protest outside Coryton Oil Refinery was a washout after only a handful of protesters turned up in the rain.

Action group Protests Against Fuel Tax Rises started a go-slow protest from Medway, in Kent, at 8am on Monday, went up the M2, A2, through the Dartford Crossing and down the A13, finishing in Stanford-le-Hope.

About 50 activists were expected to join the convoy, which was advertised on Facebook, but only seven people turned out.

The group, led by organiser Donna Butler, 30, planned to stay at Coryton from 10am until 3pm.

Mother-of-two, Donna, who is originally from Southend, but now lives in Kent, said: “We have chosen the refinery because it is one of the biggest distributors of fuel in the area.

“I was expecting more protestors to take part so we could make a bigger impact and block the roundabout. If we keep going and keep holding protests we will keep building momentum.

“I am not disappointed. I understand people are at work and taking their kids to school.

“My dad is a taxi driver in Southend and he is really struggling. The fuel rises are making taxi drivers work silly hours and they look ill – his quality of life is going down.”

Miss Butler said extra taxes should be put on alcohol instead of fuel.

Fellow protester Paul Staples, 52, from Tunbridge Wells in Kent, said: “I run a car body shop and I am taking part because I feel if someone does not do something our business could die.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said protesters were escorted from the Dartford Crossing to the refinery and left to carry out a peaceful protest.

Another protest is planned for later this month.