BAD weather is putting a spanner in the works of Greenpeace's plan to blockade Marchwood Military Port and slow the "headlong rush to war".

The Rainbow Warrior is moored off the Isle of Wight weighing up its next move after being driven out of Southampton Water by a heavy squall.

On board, activists said they were "encouraged" by results of the Daily Echo survey of Hampshire residents showing more than half are opposed to conflict with Iraq.

Spokesman Stephen Tindall said: "It's very encouraging to hear that. We would say that while many of the public are against the war it is unlikely Blair will commit troops. So anyone who feels it is wrong - now is the time to make it known."

On Monday, Rainbow Warrior's crew had painted "No War" in 20ft letters on a supply ship destined for the Gulf and sent climbers up the sides with protest flags.

It was intended to be a blockade of the military port for "as long as it takes", up until the squall intervened. Mr Tindall said the crew viewed the protest as a success even though it had been cut short.