ALMOST 700 people clamoured to sign a petition against plans to build over a Poole graveyard at last weekend's Poole Park Fest.

Queues formed at the stall manned by protesters fighting to protect some 800 graves, including 27 war graves, St Mary's Church, on Longfleet Road.

The church has submitted an application to build a church centre and parking over a large part of the graveyard.

Barbara Plumbridge has 17 ancestors buried there, including her great grandfather, Thomas Charles Rigler, a builder commissioned to lay out Poole Park.

She said there was strong public feeling against it.

"We had a tremendous response," she added. "People were queuing up to sign because they are horrified and dismayed that the church is considering building over the graves of so many people.

"We are all very determined - we are heartbroken by this."

She added: "A lot of people who have contributed to this town have been laid to rest there. We believe that they shouldn't be disturbed. They should be honoured."

The extra 670 signatures secured over two days upped the total number to 1,700. The petition will be presented to the planners at Borough of Poole and the Bishop of Salisbury.

A date has not yet been set for the application to go before the planning committee. It has already been delayed once by the submission of revised plans.

Mrs Plumbridge added: "We urge people to write to the planners to express their views."

The church maintains no remains will be disturbed if the extension is built, though the graves will be rendered inaccessible.

Headstones will be offered to the families and a garden of remembrance is planned, displaying the names of all those buried in the yard.

The petition can be signed until August 31. Contact Barbara Plumbridge on 01202 737780.