REDDITCH United Football Club's controversial plan to extend its training facilities onto a neighbouring field has been cautiously welcomed by a borough councillor.

Greg Chance and fellow central ward councillor Debbie Taylor support the proposal, providing it does not have a detrimental effect on the lives of residents.

He said: "We are always very concerned about any development going on in the town.

"However, this could be a great opportunity to improve the sports facilities for the town but we have to be mindful of the effects of these plans on the residents in the area."

RUFC has submitted plans to build six small synthetic pitches on Terry's Memorial Field, at the back of the Valley Stadium. The club has said it intends to open up the pitches to youngsters.

But residents in nearby Lowans Hill View are angry that public land could be used for this development and are concerned about the increase in noise, lighting and traffic it could bring.

Mr Chance also said he could only support the scheme if the new facilities were made fully available to the town and urged residents to contact him with their concerns.

He added: "There have been recent improvements made to the play area near to the Valley Stadium.

''At first, we thought we might put a skate park there but after residents said they were unhappy about this, the idea was scrapped.

"We have shown we will listen to the views of residents."