RESIDENTS of the Hamble peninsula have formed a pressure group to fight proposals for gravel pits in the area.

Residents Against Gravel Extraction will oppose two options put forward by Hampshire County Council in its draft Minerals Plan.

The options, part of wider county proposals drawn up to meet government requirements for mineral extraction, are for gravel-mining at the former Hamble Airfield and at Pickwell Farm, in Grange Road.

Founder member of Rage, Mark Denton, of Satchell Lane, said: "There's no doubt there's concern about this locally.

"The village, its people and its businesses will all suffer massively if this goes ahead.

"We will be doing our utmost to ensure this proposal is stopped in its tracks."

Although it is a non-political group, the formation of Rage was prompted by a meeting co-hosted by Maria Hutchings, prospective Conservative parliamentary candidate for Eastleigh.

Other organisers of the public meeting, in Hamble Village Hall, were Tory councillors Godfrey Olson and Bill Pepper, and campaigner, David Muffett.

Mr Muffett and Cllr Pepper urged people in the packed hall to write letters, sign a petition and fill out official forms arguing against the gravel pits being sited on the peninsula.

Concerns about traffic congestion in Hamble Lane, air and noise pollution and problems with dust were all discussed.

Another concern was the possibility of excessive housing development on the Hamble Airfield after the gravel extraction was complete.

Mrs Hutchings said: "We must use this consultation period to have our voice heard and to put forward our thoughts on other more environmentally sympathetic uses for these sites.

"It's essential that we preserve the beauty of the area and the health of the community."