RESIDENTS in St Ives are ­taking a stand against the development of the town’s football ground.

The club’s plans for 60 homes on its Westwood Road stadium have been met with opposition from neighbours, who say the land is a poor choice for a residential development.

Kate Markus, of Westwood Road, helped to start a petition against the proposal and has more than 140 signatures.

“I haven’t found anyone in favour yet,” she said. “Of the doors we have knocked on, 98 per cent have signed while the others weren’t in favour but didn’t want to sign the petition.

“The development is too dense and the plan doesn’t say what type of housing it could be – there could be blocks of flats.

“The site is landlocked by housing and the only access to the site is through Westwood Road, so there would be a significant increase in traffic flow, which would be dangerous to children on the way to school.

“I have seen a lot of near-misses and a girl was impaled on a railing after being tossed by a car a few years ago.

“At peak times there is too much traffic and due to high charges for parking in St Ives, many park along Westwood Road and effectively make it one lane.

“It happens, too, when the Burgess Hall and leisure centre, which have been refurbished, are busy.

“When the Year 11 prom took place some students nearly missed it because the vehicles they hired couldn’t get down the street.”

The campaigners also raise concerns that St Ivo School was not consulted about the plans because the development could limit the school’s expansion. There are also worries the development could lead to surface water flooding nearby.

St Ives Town Council’s planning committee, which met last week, resolved to recommend refusal of the scheme.

The football club has started its own petition in favour of the plans – yesterday (Tuesday) it had 37 signatures.

Club secretary Simon Clark said: “We knew there would be opposition, however, we are not doing it for financial gain.

“We are doing it to improve the club and provide the town with more facilities.”

The club has also submitted outline planning permission for a new ground in Somersham Road, which includes a clubhouse, car park, pitches and floodlights.

INFORMATION: Mrs Markus is holding a meeting in the Parish Church Hall at 7pm tonight (Wednesday) for residents to raise their concerns.

The petition can be found at www.ipetitions.com and search for Westwood Road.