NEWS last week that an unnamed supermarket chain have held talks about moving to Perdiswell will no doubt be cause for concern for residents.

Worcester City Council’s belief that a potential new competition-standard swimming pool and 4,100-capacity football stadium can also be accomodated on the site adjacent to the existing leisure centre — due to be demolished by 2016 — is also unlikely to sit well with those living on the doorstep.

The football stadium, which could provide a new home for Worcester City, has already attracted fears from residents about increased traffic in the area.

Councillor Mike Whitehouse, who represents Claines, says he has spoken with people concerned about the increased number of cars and potential loss of a community green space.

These are all valid points and I do not seek to belittle them. But I think it is worth pointing out one or two things.

Firstly, the new stadium being proposed by Worcester City Supporters’ Trust would not be another Sixways.

I sometimes think people see the words “stadium” and “4,100-capacity” and imagine a Warriors mark two with huge stands on the skyline.

In reality, the ground would have just one stand, with 500 seats in it, with the other three sides made up of hard, floor-level standing.

At best, one of those sides might have a cover.

It would be very similar to Evesham United’s ground.

The 4,100 figure is arrived at with all those areas full but, with City’s gates seldom topping 1,000, even when they were at St George’s Lane, that maximum is unlikely to be realised any time soon.

When it comes to traffic, City, who currently share at Kidderminster Harriers, would generally play every other Saturday and the occasional Tuesday night.

At those times, roads would likely feel the strain but it’s not as if it would be a daily occurence conflicting with parents picking up children from Perdiswell Primary School.

The park and ride site could also be used for parking, taking traffic out of the immediate area. People may choose to walk, too.

Of course, there are issues to be addressed.

But these points are worth considering by those quick to dismiss the project.

It’s just possible a new football ground might not be the monstrosity people fear.