A PROTEST outside Forest of Dean MP Mark Harper’s office in Cinderford on Saturday (September 7) was marred by pushing and jostling that almost put a woman councillor through a plate glass window, it has been claimed.

The multi-party protest, which involved Labour, Green and Liberal Democrat members as well as other individuals, was organised to protest the proroguing of Parliament and the possibility of a ‘no deal’ Brexit.

Mr Harper nor any of his staff were in the office on Cinderford High Street while the protest was underway during the morning, as he was believed to be in Lydney at the time.

But Forest district councillor Di Martin (Lab, Cinderford East) said what was a peaceful protest of more than 50 people carrying banners and placards was marred when a man in the street tried to push through while swearing loudly.

She said the man pushed a woman in front of her, and she herself was only prevented from falling through the plate glass window at the front of Mr Harper’s office by another man who took the full force of the shove.

Cllr Martin said: “It went very well for most of the time. It was peaceful and there were quite a few parties there as well as the Forest of Dean for Europe group and other individuals.”

But, talking about the moments she was shoved, Cllr Martin added: “There was a man who pushed and knocked a woman into me.

“I hurt my neck because I suffer from a neck problem and it has caused me a lot of pain since this happened. He was very aggressive.

“Yes, there are people with the opposite view to us but we were trying to display democracy in action.

“There was no need for that type of behaviour… Because I was pushed, the man behind me stopped me from falling through Mr Harper’s window.

“We are talking violence. It was not just about getting out of the way. It was a deliberate act and was very aggressive. He just needed to say he disagreed.”

The protest was to communicate the frustrations at a local level about the Westminster position that ended in the early hours of Tuesday morning with the proroguing of Parliament for five weeks amid chaotic scenes.

Cllr Martin said: “We have now got the prorogation of Parliament. I know people voted for Brexit but they didn’t have the idea of prorogation

“They voted for Brexit because they thought it was going to be with a deal.”