WE'RE not going away - that was the message from hauliers who are planning their next protest against soaring fuel bills following yesterday's go-slow convoy through Hampshire.

Campaigners called off their action at Fawley Refinery after the Transport and General Workers' Union refused to order tanker drivers to support the demonstration.

Organiser Chris Hunter said the protesters would now devise a new battle plan - but declined to reveal their tactics.

He said: "We have pulled out for now because the union representatives at the refinery weren't interested and refused to halt the tanker drivers.

"However, we achieved what we set out to do by highlighting our plight to the public and putting the issue in the election spotlight."

Mr Hunter, 35, who runs a small haulage firm in Southampton, said sky-high fuel bills were threatening to drive companies out of business.

He added: "Fuel prices are having a dramatic effect on hauliers. My bill has risen from £2,700 a fortnight to £3,800 in the past two weeks.

"I may not have a business in three or four weeks' time if this continues."

As reported in later editions of yesterday's Daily Echo, 13 vehicles owned by firms in Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire took part in the convoy.

The protest was originally due to take place during the morning rush-hour but was postponed until 10.30am to reduce disruption to motorists.

Nine lorries and four tractors left Hardley Industrial Estate and headed up the A326 at the start of the 50-mile protest.

The convoy joined the A31 at Cadnam and went as far west as Ringwood before turning around and heading back to the refinery.

Their speed averaged 30mph but often dropped to 20mph, causing long tail-backs throughout the two-hour journey.

Mr Hunter added: "I'd like to thank the public for their support. A large number of drivers beeped, waved and gave us the thumbs up, including the tanker drivers.

"We wanted to cause the least disruption as possible and I feel we achieved that. We even received a commendation from the police."

After returning to the refinery the protesters asked the TGWU to halt the tankers, but their plea was rejected.

A TGWU spokesman said: "We're having nothing to do with the fuel protesters. We respect the right of people to protest, but we do not have any dispute with the oil companies."

A refinery spokesman confirmed that supplies were not disrupted, but declined to make any further comment.