THE WAVE of opposition to plans for a huge extension to Southampton Docks at Dibden Bay grew even higher last night.

Scores of disappointed residents had to be turned away from a public meeting at Hythe and Dibden Parish Hall which became packed to capacity with an estimated 400 already inside 15 minutes before the meeting was due to start.

It would have been an even bigger turn out than the previous night's attendance for a similar meeting at Marchwood where revised estimates have put the figure for that meeting at around 450.

Because of the full house, some disappointed protesters were asked to turn up for tonight's third meeting in the series of four at Hardley Schoo,l near Fawley, at 8pm.

Another bumper crowd is expected there and for the final meeting at Totton's Testwood School tomorrow.

Once again, there was overwhelming opposition to the proposals by Southampton Docks owner Associated British Ports with a massive show of hands against the scheme and none in favour.

And there was another burst of confidence that the scheme for a massive container port between Hythe and Marchwood could be beaten with two potential general election opponents both predicting victory for the anti-port campaign.

Hythe's Hampshire county councillor Brian Dash, who is Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for New Forest East, described the Dibden Bay proposals as "the nightmare we have got to face."