CAMPAIGNERS on both sides of the debate have vowed to continue the fight over a new Worcester City Football Club stadium, after the scheme was rejected by city planners.

The plans for a new 4,400 capacity ground at Perdiswell Park went before Worcester City Council's planning committee on Thursday afternoon.

And in a dramatic twist the members vote was tied, coming down to committee chairman Councillor Chris Mitchell's decisive vote against the proposal - despite planning officers recommending it for approval.

After the meeting Rob Crean, from Worcester City's supporter's trust which has fought a long battle to get it to this stage, said they were disappointed but vowed to fight on.

"We put forward the very best application," Mr Crean said.

"Committee members came with pre-prepared statements on why they were refusing.

"It goes back to the meeting in July to look at the reasons for refusal, and to vote again, so there is hope.

"If they vote against it, we will obviously look to appeal.

"They went against the recommendations. We would be successful in an appeal, if it came to that."

Councillor Neil Laurenson, who spoke passionately at the meeting against the scheme, said he was cautious to call it a victory.

"I'm pleased the committee voted to reject the application," Cllr Laurenson said.

"Many of the things I said in my speech were relaying what residents said to me.

"I'm a massive football fan, I would like to go and watch Worcester City in Worcester, but Perdiswell is not the right location.

"If the club did well and needed to expand, there isn't the space.

"Forest Green Rovers and other clubs have had stadiums approved in the right location."

Readers, both for and against, flooded our websites with their reaction after the dramatic crunch vote.

CJH said: "The council has wasted enough time and effort on this pointless topic.

"A 4,400 capacity ground? Why? They won't even fill it 25 per cent for most games."

Gorecki said: "Really hoping this is finally put to bed one way or the other as soon as possible.

"The amount of council time used on this must be obscene now."

Mark Garness said: "The naive people who live nearby have won," while Kevin Robinson said: "I feel those that carry the vote on such decisions have little compassion or a true understanding of what community spirit can exist within a football team."

Tone22 added: "Such a pity that a city the size of Worcester cannot come up with a plan to get its football team back."

  • Recap on how the stadium plan was refused during a dramatic planning meeting here.