MALVERN people are once again banding together to oppose plans to turn a field in the centre of town over to a local football club.

Members of the Heart of Malvern Association fear that Malvern Hills District Council is planning to give a 25-year exclusive lease on the playing field off Sling Lane to Newtown Sports Club.

An identical proposal was rejected five years ago after local people opposed it. The field is owned by the district council.

The field is one of several between the town centre and Pickersleigh Road that have long been used by local residents as a place to walk and relax.

John Denham of the association said they were calling on fellow residents to fight the proposal.

He said the field should be free for all to enjoy.

He said people also feared traffic and parked cars choking residential roads, and that changing rooms and other facilities would be built.

He said: “We recognise the great work that Newtown Sports does with local youngsters, but Sling Lane is totally inappropriate as their new home and, once leased to Newtown, our fields would pass into the hands of a body answerable to nobody but themselves.”

In a statement, MHDC said no firm decision had been taken on the future of Sling Lane.

Coun Joe Smith, the portfolio holder for leisure and culture, said discussions involving the members for Pickersleigh and Priory wards and other interested parties were currently taking place.

He said: “MHDC is fully aware that the future use of the Sling Lane sporting facilities are of concern to local residents and would like to assure them that their views will be considered as part of the decision-making process.”

The Heart of Malvern Association has also opposed plans by Malvern Town Council to turn the field into allotments. Earlier this year, the town council applied for permission to put 72 allotments on the field. At a meeting this week, the town council revised the plan to 40 allotments, leaving space for a junior football pitch.