Fresh row over football stadium

Building work is continuing at New Meadow

Shrewsbury Town football fans have launched an online petition against a residents group which has complained about plans for the club's new stadium.

Sutton Area Residents Association (SARA) lodged a protest to the local council against the club's plans to scrap proposed community pitches.

The unofficial Blue and Amber website for fans has now launched a petition.

The League Two team are due to leave Gay Meadow and move to the New Meadow on Oteley Road in the summer.

'Complete U-turn'

The residents group lodged its complaint to Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council last month.

Anthony Thomas, from Blue and Amber, said: "SARA have only ever tried to obstruct the football club.

"They recently did a complete U-turn on their long-term opposition to the community pitches at New Meadow.

"They opposed the new stadium being built and they opposed the redevelopment of the old stadium site in order to block the football club."

But Graham Watson, the chairman of SARA, said it wanted the club to modernise the existing site.

To suggest we're not co-operating with the club is nonsense SARA chairman Graham Watson

Mr Watson said: "One of the significant reasons for planning permission being granted was the football club would provide recreational facilities for the youngsters in the area.

"(We) accept the football club, having gained planning permission, (will build) the football stadium.

"We have tried to ensure they comply with the planning permission they have been given.

"We were against the pitches being used as a lever to gain planning permission for the stadium project, but now they should honour their commitment to the community.

Shrewsbury Town Football Club have been unavailable for comment.