AROUND 40 local farmers blockaded a North Tawton creamery on Tuesday night to protest about 'intolerable' milk prices.

The peaceful four-hour protest at Glanbia Foods' Taw Valley Creamery known locally as the Cheese Factory was organised by Farmers For Action (FFA) who staged similar protests at the company's other depots in Scotland and Wales.

The organisation took action after it felt Glanbia Foods had put off talks with representatives about the issue of low milk prices, said Northlew farmer Paul Griffiths.

'We are trying to force negotiations to up the milk prices which are intolerable,' he said.

Mr Griffiths said last month the base price was 16p a litre but he needed at least 2p more just to break even.

'The price has dropped from 25p a litre in four years — the situation for farmers is desperate and this protest was to let the firm know we are not going to sit back and do nothing,' he added.

Farmers and their cars blocked the entrance to the factory preventing any lorries getting into and out of the premises.

Local police attended the scene but officers said there was no need to 'call in the troops'.

'There was no trouble — the farmers made their point by blocking the entrance for a few hours and then dispersed at about 11.30pm,' said PC Chris Vercoe.

Chief executive of Glanbia's milk business Jim Cooney said the company was not ignoring the situation and appreciated that prices were low.

'We are listening to farmers and will be holding open meetings with them next week,' he said. 'This company is very competitive and most of our competitors have experienced similar protests — it is part of the frustration of the farming industry at the moment.

'We appreciate it is difficult for farmers at this time but there will be an increase in the price for October and another price adjustment from November.'