Protest group targets energy firm

E.On is planning the UK's first new coal-fired power station for 24 years

Environmental protesters have begun two days of action in protest against proposals for a new coal-fired power station in Kent.

The Camp for Climate Action said it was targeting E.ON, the company behind the plans, rather than the Kingsnorth site.

"People are targeting the E.ON offices in London and Warwick and things are going on in Manchester and Norwich," said spokesman Peter McDonald.

E.ON said it would carry on "business as usual" to the best of its ability.

Camp for Climate Action organised a week-long Climate Camp near Kingsnorth power station in August.

Organisers of the 48-hour protest predicted "dozens of actions across the UK", which could affect anyone connected with new coal supplies.

We have a responsibility to our customers to make sure that their homes have the light and power and heat they need E.ON spokeswoman

On Friday, just under 40 protesters gathered at E.ON's central London offices to register their opposition to the Kingsnorth site.

The group, some dressed as E.ON executives and others in white boiler suits, chanted "no new coal" and waved banners declaring "any coal is dirty coal".

Others protested outside E.ON's headquarters in Coventry.

A bicycle protest was also also planned for the capital's South Bank.

The current Kingsnorth power station, on the Hoo peninsula, is due to close in 2015 and E.ON wants to replace it with two new coal units, which it claims will be 20% cleaner.

Right to protest

There was no sign of any protesters at the site on Friday morning, and only occasional police patrols.

E.ON has removed about four acres of woodland between the security fence and the power station which was screening the plant.

E.ON spokeswoman Emily Highmore said the company was respectful of the campaigners' right to protest.

"Our concern is that they do it peacefully and lawfully," she said.

"We have a responsibility to our customers to make sure that their homes have the light and power and heat they need.

"We are going to continue to do that to the very best of our ability."