PENSIONERS have vowed to stand in front of the bulldozers to stop their Horton Heath homes being flattened to make way for a new development.

They are stepping up their battle to halt plans by Eastleigh Housing Associa-tion to knock down five bungalows and replace them with a block of flats in the Burnetts Fields and Burnetts Gardens area.

Pam Squires, 70, who lives in one of the doomed bungalows, said: "I am prepared to do anything to save my home. Even if it means standing in front or chaining myself to the bulldozer.

"We are determined to fight this to the end."

Last week she and fellow protesters staged a peaceful demonstration in the public gallery at the meeting of Eastleigh Council's Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Horton Heath Local Area Committee.

Throughout the debates they held up placards emblazoned with - "No to redevelopment" "No to relocation" and "Save Our Homes."

It was enough to win more time in their campaign as councillors postponed their decision on the controversial planning application.

Councillors will visit the site next Tuesday and then take a vote on the plan.

Feelings are running high in the closely-knit community.

A total of 28 residents have sent letters of objection to the council and a protest petition has been signed by 315.

Residents say that they will be turning out in force to voice their protests when councillors visit the site next week.

Mrs Squires said: "I came to this area to be near my family and the support that could be given me , not to rely on assistance from strangers.

She added: "We are a community in Burnetts Fields and Burnetts Gardens and look out for one another if ever the need arises and feel safe within that community."

Eastleigh Housing Association says the only alternative is to provide more accommodation on greenfield land.