Six million pounds - that's how much April's port blockade cost our economy.

The staggering figure is what's being claimed as Kent small firms make an official complaint to the French government today.

Now some firms are going to the wall as a result of the financial burden caused by the blockades, they claim.

The claims small firms lost an average of £800 during the four-day dispute and the wider haulage industry loses £1 million for every day Calais is shut.

The group has 7,000 members across Kent and Medway, and is claiming the French government is in breach of its obligations under the EC treaty.

John Parker of John Parker International, a horse transporter based near Hythe, faces the added complication of animal welfare when his vehicles are trapped in Operation Stack.

William Pucknell, of W. S. G. Transport in Medway has had lorries stuck in Stack that were not crossing the Channel and needed a police escort to escape the queue."

Roger House, FSB chairman for Kent and Medway, said: "Kent small businesses are at the forefront when there are hold-ups at the Channel ports, It is not just cross channel traffic that is inconvenienced, gridlock on surrounding roads make it difficult for local hauliers to return to their depots.

Kent County Council welcomed the FSB campaign. Kevin Lynes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: "The misery caused by Operation Stack when French strike action closes the ports is acutely felt in the UK and in France. The cost to businesses, not to mention the inconvenience to residents, is completely unacceptable and must stop."