ABOUT 80 villagers staged a protest this afternoon near the entrance to the large West Sands development at Mai Khao, one of Phuket's northern beaches.

Talks aimed at a settlement concluded late this afternoon. Later it was agreed that West Sands would talk to village representatives again in a week.

A West Sands spokesperson said: ''We are keen to resolve this issue and working very hard to reach an agreement. It should be resolved rapidly.''

It is understood that West Sands had had no approach from the villagers before today's protest and were taken by surprise to hear of the villagers' anxieties.

The villagers, led by Somporn Anopan, claimed they had been denied regular access to the local beach for more than a year, and could also no longer sell goods along the beach.

Villagers' demands included a check on land titles; a footpath from Mai Khao Moo 4 village to the beach; the removal of 'West Sands Keep Out' signs, and the erection of signs saying 'National Park, Open to the Public.'

Locals were also concerned about the future of mangrove forests nearby, Khun Somporn said.

Villagers met West Sands' management, the Thalang sub-district president, officials from the Land Titles Office and the Orbortor Mai Khao in talks at 1.30pm.

After the meeting, sub-district president Chaiwat Tapee said he would take the dispute to Governor Dr Preecha Ruangjan to achieve a quick settlement if possible.

West Sands comprises 426 up-market townhomes, villas and condominiums, plus a resort and a large waterpark under construction. The resort and the waterpark will be managed under the Outrigger brand.

The project has won awards for the environmentally friendly aspects that include water conservation and solar energy.

Nature walks and lagoons make it an attractive lifestyle proposition.

Just a few weeks ago, one of the West Sands management team told Phuketwan that relations with the community were cordial and the project would provide villagers with local jobs.

Two major shareholders of the Central & City Developments Limited Group are Sir Terry Leahy, CEO of Tesco Plc, and Paul Mercer, a widely experienced developer.