RESIDENTS are being urged to make their objections heard over plans for oil drilling in Hedge End.

A campaign is already under way in the area, organised by locals protesting against the plans.

Meetings are also being held to give people the opportunity to vent their fury over proposals that would see around-the-clock drilling at a site off Woodside Avenue.

More than 50 people attended last night's Botley Parish Council meeting to object to exploratory drilling near to their homes.

Due to the overwhelming number of people, councillors decided to put the debate back to a meeting next week where the proposals put forward by oil company Northern Petroleum will be discussed.

However, a meeting is being held tonight by Hedge End Town Council's planning and highways committee and residents are being encouraged to attend to hear the proposals in full.

If the planning application is approved by Hampshire County Council it would see a 36-metre mast installed for seven weeks, allowing 24-hour drilling at the site off Woodside Avenue.

For the full story, see today's Spotlight feature under the 'More News' section.