A CAMPAIGN to stop hundreds of flats being built on allotment plots has attracted worldwide support.

Residents of countries including South Africa, America and New Zealand have signed a petition asking Eastleigh Borough Council to turn down plans to build property on the Lakeside Country Park.

As many as half of the 1,500 signatures on the "Save Lakeside from Development" petition have come from people who live outside the area but who enjoy visiting the park, campaigners believe.

Ted Ingram, treasurer of the Eastleigh and Bishopstoke Allotment Association, said: "The support we're getting is phenomenal and it's not just local support.

"People from all over have said 'We've come out of our concrete jungle to enjoy a bit of countryside.'"

He said families flocked to the beauty spot from places around the county including Portsmouth, Gosport, Fareham and Basingstoke.

He said: "Anyone who sees the posters comes up and asks 'Where can I sign?'"

The campaign was launched last week after the council announced plans to build four-storey apartment blocks overlooking the lakes on 500 allotments.

The housing proposals are part of a massive town centre redevelopment.

Lakeside Area Residents Association (LARA) has joined forces with the Allotment Association in a bid to block the proposed development.

Wayne Borras, wildlife officer of LARA and a resident of neighbouring Monks Way, said the groups were aiming to gather 4,000 signatures against the council's plan before the deadline of Wednesday, June 25.

He said: "We've been dashing back and forth to photocopying machines because there's such a high demand for the objection letters."