PROTESTERS against a controversial new road have set up camp in a Blackwood wo-od to try to stop bulldozers destroying ancient trees.

Opponents of the Sirhowy Enterprise Way have gathered from across South Wales to try to save the ancient St David's Wood, which is due to be demolished to make way for the two-mile road linking Black-wood High Street to Pontll-anfraith. Caerphilly council says the road is vital to help create 5,000 jobs at Oak-dale business park.

But the protesters, supported by local residents, have issued a Section 6 or-der on their camp. The order means the construction firm and council will have to get a court order to evict them.

The protesters hope this will buy them time until they can get the case before the European Commission.

Resident Pam Taylor said: "It is touching that these people are willing to give up their time to help our cause. This road is unnecessary vandalism, so we will support them all the way."

Her husband, Carl, said he hoped more locals would get behind the protesters.

He said: "They are doing this for us. We need to give them food, water, flasks and camping equipment."

The contract to begin work on the road was signed two weeks ago with Costain Engineering and Construc-tion Ltd and Laing Roads Ltd as equal partners.

They will design, build and operate the road through a £55 million Private Finance Initiative, funded by the Assembly and the council.

A spokeswoman for Caerp-hilly council said Costain was liaising with the protesters on their behalf and they are not currently pursuing legal action.