Iceland milk protest: Cheshire farmers protest over offer

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-29657033

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More than 100 farmers staged a protest over milk prices outside a supermarket chain's distribution centre in Cheshire.

Farmers for Action said it held the demonstration at Iceland's depot in Warrington after it reduced the price of four pints of milk from £1 to 89p.

Protester Ray Brown claimed the supermarket was "devaluing milk" and causing "massive problems" for farmers.

Iceland said the price it pays milk suppliers has not changed.

'Downward spiral'

The frozen food store said the cut was funded entirely by the firm and it had only reduced the price it charges customers.

Mr Brown told BBC North West Tonight's Mark Edwardson said it was "a downward spiral."

"Even though they say they are taking the hit themselves, they're not really. They are pulling the whole market down."

He added: "We're fighting for our lives here."

Another protester Paul Rowbottom said the frozen food store had agreed to meet their chairman David Handley to discuss the issue.

The protest is one of a number of demonstrations organised this month including one at a Morrisons distribution centre in Bridgwater, Somerset and the Muller Wiseman plant in Market Drayton, Shropshire.