QUEUES of panic-stricken motorists have drained pumps at filling stations causing chaos across town.

Sold out signs have been put up at Droitwich forecourts as drivers raced to fill tanks before the blockades at depots and refineries grind the country to a halt.

Droitwich Service Station, in Worcester Road, has no unleaded petrol and expected to run out of diesel by yesterday afternoon.

Manager Matthew Burnham said: "This week has been extremely busy. Motorists queued for up to a mile."

An employee at Spa Service Station, Hanbury Road, said diesel and unleaded petrol supplies ran out on Monday.

Paul Newbury Ltd, of Worcester Road, has limited stocks.

The company is supplying emergency services and opening for short periods for residents.

Partner Janet Newbury said: "We have rationed supplies but could still run out by the weekend."

She added: "I am not against the blockade. The Govern-ment must listen and take action before people suffer."

The blockade has been carried out by protesters who are angry about the price of fuel in the UK.

Education chiefs have warned Spa schools to adopt bad weather arrangements if staff and children cannot attend classes.

A Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade spokesman said the service is attending emergency calls and has diesel for frontline appliances to last six weeks.

He added: "Drivers should not hoard petrol in their homes because it is an extremely dangerous fire hazard."

Representatives from county emergency services, local authorities and health authorities drew up a contingency plan yesterday to cope with the shortage.

A West Mercia Police spokesman said: "The force has sufficient fuel for immediate needs and will focus on life threatening calls.

"Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service is facing severe disruption. The patient transport service has been suspended and paramedics are having great difficulty accessing fuel."

He urged residents to only make essential journeys.