THE leader of the Craven Hauliers protest group, Vi Watkinson has been lobbying Skipton MP David Curry about the crisis facing transporters throughout the country.

She has also been negotiating with Channel 4 about a documentary it wishes to run on the crisis.

Mrs Watkinson, of Embsay, went to Mr Curry's Skipton office along with Linda Clarkson, Shirley Winterburn and a representative from Eurotran on Snaygill Estate.

It followed a meeting at Skipton Auction Mart in April, attended by Mr Curry, to protest about Budget increases in road tax and diesel prices.

Mr Curry told Mrs Watkinson he was continuing to support their campaign but the fight would be long and hard.

Mrs Watkinson has sent out 40 petition books to all parts of the UK, from Aberdeen to the Isle of Sheppy and from Yeovil to Ipswich.

Once as many signatures as possible have been gathered she will take them down to 10 Downing Street and personally hand them over to Prime Minister Tony Blair.

"What I need is support," she said. "I want as many people as possible to come forward and offer their signature for the petition."

She explained that high diesel prices and road tax would affect everyone in the long run.

Mrs Watkinson said she had been approached by a film company working for Channel 4. Sharpshooter Films want to make a documentary on the hauliers' crisis and have asked Mrs Watkinson for help in its making.

"I am currently negotiating with them for a June filming and have stressed that it is a serious matter," she added.

Anyone wishing to obtain a petition book can contact Mrs Watkinson on 01756 799874.

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