DOZENS of residents walk through Hampshire countryside under threat of development after forming a protest group.

Around 100 people from across Twyford, Colden Common, Upham, Bishopstoke and Fair Oak took part in a trek under the banner of the newly formed Against Destructive Development group.

They are protesting against Eastleigh Borough Council development plans that could see potentially 6,000 homes between Bishopstoke, Fair Oak, Upham, Colden Common and Allbrook served by a major new road.

Representatives from the different communities have joined forces to try to dissuade the council from opting to build there and raise awareness of the issue with other residents.

They took the route of the proposed new road, setting off from Stoke Park Woods in Bishopstoke and ending at Brambridge.

One of those at the forefront of the protest, David Lovegrove called for the council to look more closely at the plans.

Campaigners argue that, were the council to opt for the two proposals that concern this area, this could lead to overstretched facilities like doctors and schools, increased traffic and loss of gaps between their communities.

The council is yet to announce its decision of where it thinks housing should go following a consultation on eight possible options early this year.