ENVIRONMENTAL protesters threw a council meeting in Winchester into disarray last night after invading the stage and refusing to leave.

Three objectors to the controversial Bar End park-and-ride extension in the city took to the podium and sat among councillors after hearing passionate speeches from their fellow campaigners.

The disruption was so bad that Winchester's mayor, Councillor Jean Hammerton, was forced to adjourn the meeting while the police were called to remove the eco-warriors, although no arrests were made.

As Emily Edmonstone, nicknamed the Green Goddess after she chained her naked green-painted body to the gates outside Hampshire County Council's HQ, and Alan Weeks, chairman of the Winchester Residents' Association, took their place at the full meeting of Winchester City Council, they were cheered on by an almost full gallery.

During the meeting, 20-year-old Miss Edmondstone and Mr Weeks made heartfelt speeches against the destruction of the Bar End meadow, which was given back to the city in compensation for the destruction of Twyford Down when the M3 was extended in the early 90s.

They demanded answers from Cabinet members as to why it had been chosen instead of the Hampshire County Council's Bar End Depot or the unused concrete parking spaces at Winnall.

It was after Cllr Hammerton said that the matter would be referred to a Cabinet meeting for further discussion at a later date, that the disturbance began.

In her speech, Miss Edmonstone had called for an end to the work that is seeing the six-acre meadow ripped up for 420 extra parking spaces. She added: "We wish to emphasise that we are part of the community and we are also the inheritors of the actions you take.''

Mr Weeks added: "The destruction of an ecological system is an awful thing.

Leader of the council, Sheila Campbell, said afterwards: "I think this council is notable for the amount it listens to residents and petitions, but not in this way. This really needs to be discussed in cabinet at the earliest possible opportunity.''