Claims that eco-activists protesting against the A130 bypass at Rettendon have already broken the previous record of 22 days underground may be premature.

Disco Dave, who set the record during last year's Manchester Airport protest, claims the five eco-moles of Gorse Wood probably did not seal off the main shaft until February 11.

He said: "I think the confusion has arisen because some people have taken the starting date as February 6, when the bailiffs first appeared to close off the encampment.

"I reckon they will hold out another week, well after their 22nd day underground on Saturday because they seem in good spirits and have defences."

Bailiffs have so far forced their way through seven doors, but after penetrating 20ft into the main tunnel have yet to reach any protesters.

Disco Dave, who is liaising between protesters and Essex Under Sheriff Jonathan Douglas-Hughes, said the three women and two men were in good spirits, despite the recent rain making conditions very damp. He said: "Some of them will come out from this ordeal and into the sunlight as happy as Larry, others may need medical attention."

A spokesman for the Under Sheriff said: "What is happening is that the protestors are handcuffing themselves against the doors forcing bailiffs to dig around.

"Once the bailiffs break into the side of the tunnel the protesters scramble away and place another door behind them, which makes progress extremely slow, but we hope to have them out by Friday."

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