Neighbours are raising a petition against the development of a sports field off Sling Lane in Malvern.

The district council wants to let Newtown Sports Junior FC have the field on a 25-year lease.

Members of the public have until today (Friday) to make their objections known.

Pat and Geoff Claytor of Fernhill Grove, together with their neighbours, have been busy raising a petition to beat the deadline.

They say the development will have a huge impact on the surrounding area.

The field, formerly a playing field for local schools, is part of a large green area surrounded by houses.

"We don't want a Wembley Stadium in the middle of Malvern," said Mrs Claytor. "People are very worried by what this is going to do to the area."

Among the fears expressed are increased use of the field for football, building of changing rooms and other facilities and the impact of cars and coaches visiting the site.

Neighbours are also worried that the public will be denied use of the field currently enjoyed by walkers.

"I've been taking the petition out on to the field and talking to the people walking there. They've been horrified to find out what's happening," said Mrs Claytor.

"It's not just people who live right by the field. People come from elsewhere in Malvern to walk there."

Mr Claytor said: "We ourselves have got about 50 signatures, and other people are gathering them as well."

A report on the proposal, incorporating the objections, will go to the MHDC's executive board and then full council.