ONE Droitwich haulier claims he is close to giving up his business due to the rising fuel crisis.

Alan Hawkes, of Alan's Transport, says that if his company had more trucks, and he could afford to take time off, he would join the blockades outside petrol distribution centres.

"I would love to join in but it's not financially viable to not work," said Mr Hawkes, who has a reduced fleet of just two lorries.

"I've got sympathy with those who are in the blockades and I wish I could be there with them."

Since starting his own business, Mr Hawkes has seen his number of vehicles drop from seven to two.

He now foresees closing his business in the coming months and predicts that many other firms may also be forced to give up.

"When you only do six or seven miles to the gallon it all adds up," he said.

"All Tony Blair has to do is drop the tax by eight pence or so, it wouldn't make any difference to the Government but it would help us."

Haulage firm Taylors of Martley said that although none of its 200 vehicles was involved in the blockade, the company fully supported the protest.

"Unfortunately, we still have customer requirements to commit to but we're in full support of the blockades," said Stephen Taylor, managing director of the firm.

"We know of several hauliers who are running out of fuel and we've got enough to last maybe ten days.

"But when you spend £7m a year on fuel it's ridiculous.

"I find it difficult to understand why our duty is the highest in Europe."