A GROUP of environmental activists who have been living at Yorkley Court Farm near Lydney were evicted today (Thursday).

The eviction was the result of civil action taken by Forest businessman Brian Bennet who has planning permission to set up a solar farm on the land.

Gloucestershire Police closed off the Lydney to Yorkley road at its junctions with Yorkley Wood Road and Old Dam Road.

One arrest was made for breach of the peace as the eviction was carried out.

There were also claims that only one legal observer was allowed onto the farm which was described as ’totally inadequate’.

Some 25 police officers and police community support officers, an ambulance and mountain rescue volunteers were in the area.

Several structures, including a tower which could be seen from the road, were demolished.

A Gloucestershire Police spokesman said: "A civil eviction order is being served on the people living at Yorkley Farm.

"We are there to keep the peace, to reassure the local community that the actions undertaken are lawful, and to deal with any criminal offences that may occur whilst the action takes place."