ANTI-WAR campaigners leading this afternoon's march through the streets of York promised civil disobedience unless their voices were heard.

They warned that workplace stoppages, strikes and occupations would take place across York in the coming days and weeks as local anger and frustration about the likely war against Iraq increased.

Thousands of people were today marching through the city centre as fellow protesters took to the streets of London, Portsmouth, Leeds, Exeter and Newcastle during what could be the last weekend before conflict breaks out.

The demonstrations, organised by the Stop The War coalition, were coinciding with a Converge On The White House demonstration in Washington.

Preparations were also being made for a 2,000-ticket anti-war concert in London featuring Ms Dynamite, Coldplay, Travis and Paul Weller, with proceeds going to the Stop The War coalition and CND.

Rory Palmer, spokesman for York Against the War, said today's march in the city was just the first step and would be followed up by further action.

He said: "People's mood has gone from very serious concern to high-level anger and that will be reflected today.

"There is the potential to take some further action as a result of today's march. There could be civil disobedience in York - we will have to judge the mood of the demonstration.

"This march is a step forward but it's by no means the end. If and when war breaks out, there's a potential that this city could be brought to a standstill, with workplace stoppages, strikes and occupations. This is the mood of the people now - people are ready to take action."

Council leader Dave Merrett was sceptical about the idea of workplace demonstrations. He said: "This kind of action does not seem entirely appropriate. The appropriate action is through our elected members of Parliament, not this type of demonstration or action."

Among the 3,000 people the coalition expected to take to York's streets was a former army major who branded an attack on Iraq as "unnecessary and inopportune".

Robert Collins, of Fishergate, served for seven years in the Army's legal corps.

He said: "I do not think there is any question of America feeling moral repugnance towards Saddam Hussein. They supported him in the past. He was committing atrocities then as he is now.

"I agree he is a tyrannical dictator, but the way to get rid of him is to win over public opinion by using carrots, rather than sticks."

Mr Collins, a father-of-five, said he still had friends in the Army, including some stationed in the Gulf.

He added: "They are not entirely happy that what they are doing is morally or practically justified."

Updated: 12:09 Saturday, March 15, 2003