TEMPERS reached boiling point and police were drafted in as councillors and public exchanged verbal blows in the latest storm over plans to build a giant Waitrose supermarket at Chandler's Ford.

Last night's debate got so heated that at one stage committee chairman Councillor Grahame Smith called a halt to the meeting for a 15-minute cooling down period.

Later two police officers stood at the back of the hall to make sure that peace ruled at the Chandler's Ford Methodist Church meeting.

Scores of residents had packed the church to hear the local area committee debate the latest twist in the Waitrose saga.

Last November the borough council appro-ved a plan to build a 24,000 square feet supermarket at Fryern Hill after residents fought to sink the scheme.

Protesters turned out in force last night as councillors were asked to give their verdict on four new applications for alterations to the original scheme.

After a debate lasting more than three hours, which was a replay of all the for and against arguments, councillors voted for a reduction in the size of the proposed store's first-floor warehouse.

The go-ahead was also given for a replacement dental surgery and betting office and alterations and extensions to the car park which will serve the new store and the Fryern centre.

But a decision on a plan to build a two-storey block of six flats was postponed until the next meeting of the local area committee when councillors will be given more information.

Residents voiced fears about traffic congestion, noise and development spreading along Oakmount Road.

As the temperature of the debate started to rise and councillors were being interrupted by shouts from the public gallery, Mr Smith issued his first public warning.

"If you do not stop it I will have you removed," he said.

Later as feelings continued to run high Mr Smith adjourned the meeting for 15 minutes.

Two police officers later arrived and stood at the back of the hall as the debate continued in a calm but lively manner.

After the meeting, a Waitrose spokesman said that, depending on all the planning conditions being agreed, it was hoped to have the doors of the new store opened by Christmas next year.