DOZENS of angry residents packed a public meeting on Portland – and vowed to fight plans to land helicopters nearby.

The residents formed an action committee to organise ways of beating any future planning application by Southwell Business Park to increase flights to and from the complex.

Owner of Sunbeams Nursery Richard Myers, who called the meeting, said: “The meeting was a complete success. I called it because there’s been so much unease in the area and the turnout was quite amazing really.

“Residents understand the need for increased helicopter traffic to cover the sailing Olympics – but they can’t see the sense in it happening close to hundreds of houses, a school, and a children’s nursery. There is grave concern about the effects on the Portland environment and health and safety issues in an area of outstanding natural beauty”.

County councillor Les Ames, who attended, said: “The meeting was well supported because there are very strong feelings against it.

“It’s only 50 or 60 yards from a nursery and it seems like it could be a noisy six months.

“I’ve got to stand back as a councillor but I will certainly be making my mind up when I know more. I will do all I can to assist them with information.”

The owners of Southwell Business Park sent a message to the residents, saying they were in the process of re-examining their planning application and they would be happy to discuss any new application for flights at a later date.

The residents elected Shirley Deeney of Sweethill Lane, Southwell, to co-ordinate their fight. Mrs Deeney said: “There are quite a few very angry, upset people who desperately want to object to helicopters.

“There must’ve been about 60 people – it was quite a big hall.

“We’ve decided to set up a committee and communications network so that when the application is put back in, which we’re sure it will, the community will be keeping an eye on it.”

The concerned residents said they also intended to use the impartial community website www.portlanders.co.uk to raise awareness about future planning applications for the heliport.