OBJECTORS are expected to turn out in force at a Leominster public meeting tomorrow, (Friday), to discuss the plans for the proposed Brierley Court 'village' for 1,000 foreign fruit pickers.

"We may need to double the size of the Royal Oak ballroom - virtually all of Ivington says it is coming," said farmer Aubrey Greene, who has been going with other protestors to collect a petition.

"People are very upset work has started before councillors have had a chance to look at the planning application."

He said 250 signatures were collected at Ivington, Brierley, Aulden and Newtown, other parts of the rural area, and some dwellings on the south side of Leominster overlooking the site of the proposed camp in the Arrow Valley. Objectors say the village of 300 caravans and buildings for leisure facilities including a swimming pool, cinema and disco, will have an unacceptable impact.

At the meeting, called by Leominster MP Bill Wiggin - who is to chair it - the objectors will have their say while the strawberry firm will put its case in a video presentation.

l In answer to local concerns, Graham Neal said the Brierley site was not being developed to replace the company's Marden site. Overseas student workers would continue to be based at both sites for the strawberry season, a total of 1,600 this year. He denied that the firm's intention was to sub-contract workers to other businesses.