POLICE were called after scores of protesters marked the start of strike action at Fawley refinery by blocking the road outside the huge complex.

Images show activists standing in front of vehicles on the Hardley roundabout, which is next to the entrance used by tankers entering and leaving the refinery.

People living in the area say the busy A326 came to a standstill following the beginning of industrial action on Monday.

Daily Echo: Police talk to union supporters taking part in a protest outside Fawley refinery. Picture: Walter VincentiPolice talk to union supporters taking part in a protest outside Fawley refinery. Picture: Walter Vincenti (Image: Walter Vincenti)

Teachers were unable to reach the New Forest Academy, forcing it to postpone the start of the school day until 11am.

Several people have taken to social media to voice their anger at the blockade, which followed the start of industrial action by members of the GMB and Unite unions.

One person said a man trying to get to work waited for a bus for two hours, only to discover the road was blocked.

Another added: "Couldn’t get into Hythe from Holbury. They weren’t letting anyone through. This is so selfish."

Daily Echo: Union supporters block the road outside Fawley refinery following the start of strike action. Picture: Walter VincentiUnion supporters block the road outside Fawley refinery following the start of strike action. Picture: Walter Vincenti (Image: Walter Vincenti)

Police were called but no arrests were made.

About 300 employees at the refinery are involved in a pay dispute with contractors working for ExxonMobil, which runs the site.

In a statement issued earlier this month, the GMB warned that picket lines would result in "significant traffic congestion and disruption" in the Fawley area.

Images taken on Monday morning show people standing in front of a bus and other stationary vehicles on the roundabout.

Students trying to get to Brockenhurst College by public transport were among those delayed by the protest.

Daily Echo: Police were called after union supporters staged a protest outside the entrance to Fawley refinery. Picture: Walter VincentiPolice were called after union supporters staged a protest outside the entrance to Fawley refinery. Picture: Walter Vincenti (Image: Walter Vincenti)

The head of New Forest police, Chief Insp Nick Marsden, said: "Blocking roads is illegal and dangerous and we have received reports that this has happened.

"Officers worked to get traffic moving as quickly and safely as possible. We will continue to ensure officers are present throughout this week in order to facilitate peaceful protest.

"Where people choose to act outside the law, we will take the necessary action."

A Unite spokesperson denied that any of its members had blocked the road.

They added: "Unite has been peacefully and lawfully picketing at the entrances to the Fawley refinery. Unite will continue to legally protest during the length of this dispute."

The GMB has also been contacted for comment.

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