Police praise Kingsnorth protest

Police have commended environmental campaigners for a "lawful and peaceful" protest at a power station in Kent.

Hundreds of demonstrators formed a human chain at Kingsnorth in Medway on Saturday to draw attention to plans to build a new coal-fired power station.

Previous demonstrations have attracted controversy.

Last year's protest sparked a judicial review into the handling of the event. In June two women complained to the police watchdog about their treatment.

Val Swain and Emily Apple said they were pinned down after they asked an officer to reveal his identity.

The controversy over police tactics employed during previous protests at the site continued when Liberal Democrat MP Greg Mulholland told the Commons that three of his Leeds North West constituents had complained about officers' behaviour.

'Music played'

He said they had alleged that police had played music and between 0500 BST and 0600BST and prevented food and water getting into the protesters' camp in August 2008.

Home Office Minister David Hanson admitted there were "real issues" with the way in which such protests were policed.

He added: "The government and the police are committed to allowing peaceful protest and that we take the concerns that have been raised about some issues at the climate camp extremely seriously."

The human chain was the latest in a series of protests since plans for the new plant were announced in October 2006.

Kent Police's Assistant Chief Constable Andy Adams said: "We are pleased the event went well and without any incident requiring our attendance."

Protesters have vowed to continue to campaign against the plans.