JUST 13 per cent of Alvechurch voters turned up to give their opinions on St Laurence's new Ark development which has caused controversy in the village.

But the votes which were cast revealed villagers were generally unhappy with the way the church had gone about planning the £1 million extension.

Work has already started on the development but a poll was called as many villagers were against plans and said they had not been properly consulted.

Seventy-nine per cent said the church was not right to sell a field held in trust for burial purposes, 81 per cent said existing burials should not be disturbed now no other land is available, nearly 71 per cent said they did not support the present Ark plans and 81 per cent said there was not enough public consultation or discussion before the church decided to sell and build.

Sandra Hibbert, one of six residents who made the poll possible, said: "The results clearly show the strength of feeling of a lot of people.

"This is a community and the people of Alvechurch deserve to have their voices and opinions heard. So many of us are furious at the way the church has gone about this whole thing.

"Alvechurch Parochial Church Council (PCC) held a meeting to discuss concerns but I felt we were just talked over and never really got a proper chance to explain our worries."

The Rev David Martin said the PCC regretted the need and expense for the parish poll.

"Planning permission for the new church annexe was granted by Bromsgrove Council and ecclesiastical authorisation was granted by the Chancellor of the Diocese of Worcester.

"Work is currently under way and the project will be completed in the autumn. The outcome of the poll in no way affects this."

Mr Martin added: "I understand the objectors wished to record their views for the history books. I hope that, now they have done so, they will allow the church to get on with its work in peace."