HUNDREDS of residents opposed to plans for a £50 million sports, leisure and entertainment complex on the site of Abbey Stadium are gearing up for their first campaign meeting.

Residents of Birmingham Road, Dagnell End Road and Hither Green Lane have joined forces to fight the proposed development and a meeting is being scheduled to take place at Abbey Park Golf Club.

Campaigners feel the development, which will include a snowdome and an ice rink, will be an eyesore and are concerned about the level of traffic, noise and light pollution it will generate.

Protesters have also raised concerns over the proposed location of a pub and fast-food outlets next to Redditch Crematorium and the number of retail outlets involved in the scheme.