PROTEST group Occupy Southend has voted to move off the site of their current camp in a church graveyard.

During a meeting held at their controvesial base in St Mary's Church, Victoria Avenue, the members of the anti-capitalist group voted overwhelmingly to vacate the site over the next few days.

Neil Starkey, who co-chaired the meeting, said Occupy Southend had not realised the ground had ashes scattered on it, adding they would have used a different location if they had known.

He also said a new base has been earmarked for the group to transfer to, though it would take a couple of days to move onto the new camp.

Tempers flared before the discussion started as grieving relatives who have loved ones buried in the yard clashed with some of the activists.

Once the emotions settled, a vote was cast with 21 people saying Occupy should move, with three voting to stay.

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