Tree-top protesters have vowed to continue their fight to stop woodland being bulldozed after nearly two weeks in their camp.

Yesterday they were building their fourth and fifth tree houses at Titnore Woods, Durrington, near Worthing, in a bid to block plans to cut down 210 trees to make way for a Tesco and about 850 homes.

The protesters, who have built a tarpaulin-covered kitchen area with two big tables, said they were more than happy to stay at the camp.

One campaigner, Tammy, 28, a part-time youth worker from Brighton, said: "The spirit is really good. There are supporters visiting all the time from the local community and that's given us a real boost."

Protect Our Woodland (PoW), which is behind the latest protest, has accused Worthing's two MPs of silence about the campaign.

They directed their comments at Conservative MPs Peter Bottomley, who represents Worthing West, and Tim Loughton, who represents Worthing East and Shoreham.

John Clark, of PoW, said: "When it comes to this major local controversy, now attracting national and even international attention because of the protest camp, the MPs have come over all shy.

"This is, quite frankly, appalling. The people of Worthing have a right to hear what their MPs think about the threat to Titnore Woods.

"If they support the protest, their voices will add to the strength of the campaign and make it more likely to succeed."

Up to 30 campaigners set up camp on May 28. Landowner Clem Somerset is expected to sell the land to developers if the housing proposals, a joint venture between Heron Group, Persimmon Homes and Bryant Homes, are given the go-ahead by Worthing Borough Council.

Mr Bottomley said he had not been contacted by the campaigners.

He said: "There is no record that the campaigners have sent me a letter, made a phone call or sent me an email. I think they want to boost themselves by making these odd accusations.

"As it happens, I try not to comment on unauthorised caravaning or camping. Their protest is unnecessary and is unlikely to be productive especially as the basic plan for West Durrington was set about 14 years ago. It may be a pity but that's life. If the alternative was filling the Goring Gap, I don't think local people would find that preferable."

Mr Loughton's office said Titnore Woods did not fall into his constituency and he had not been contacted by the protesters and would not be making a comment.