INDIGNANT villagers may chain themselves to trees to prevent the construction of a new hall on their graveyard.

Others, infuriated by the Church of England's decision to press ahead with a £500,000 facility next to All Saints Church, Hordle, near Lymington in the New Forest, could seek to have the ashes of their relatives exhumed before the builders move in.

A more concerted campaign to halt the project in its tracks could take shape this weekend, with residents urged to make their views known at a public meeting in the Women's Institute Hall, Ashley Lane.

Months of determined local opposition to the scheme championed by Vicar Canon Michael Anderson, including public protests and a petition signed by more than 1,000 residents, were wiped out last month when a church court hearing found in favour of the development.

Winchester Diocese Chancellor Christopher Clark rejected widespread fears it would trigger traffic hazards in Hordle Lane or desecrate human remains in the graveyard, and said the two-storey complex was essential for the church to fulfil its long-term mission in the community.

A public meeting, at 7.30pm on Saturday, aims to find out whether locals want to continue the fight or let the church have its way. Tim Boyce, who led the Objectors' Action Committee, said: "Three women say they will chain themselves to trees in the graveyard, while others would have relatives' ashes exhumed. Feelings are running high."