KIDDERMINSTER Harriers has defended its plans to buy part of Burlish Country Park after mounting opposition from campaigners.
The club is in talks with Wyre Forest District Council to buy 8.5hectares of Burlish Meadows so it can expand its training facilities.
The club said, if the bid was successful, it would create the opportunity to develop four full-size pitches, including a number of artificial grass surfaces, alongside junior pitches.
The Friends of Burlish Meadows have hit out against the sale of the green belt land between Kidderminster and Stourport.
The group says the flower-rich area of grassland has developed into a very important refuge for wildlife including rare insects, birds and plants.
They added the site was well used by the local community, who enjoyed the wildlife found there and accessed the site to the benefit of their health and wellbeing.
And they raised concerns the area would be replaced by artificial football pitches which the public would have no access to.
Jason Kernohan, Friends of Burlish Meadows spokesperson, said: “The kind of habitats present and the wildlife this site supports are unique and irreplaceable – it would be an act of sheer vandalism on the part of the council to allow this site to be destroyed.
“There are many places where artificial football pitches can be provided, and it should not be at the expense of such an important wildlife hotspot which is enjoyed by many and part of a country park.”
Harriers Owner Richard Lane said he appreciated and respected how important the area of land up for debate was to local people.
He added: “People can be assured that the Burlish Top Nature Reserve is not within the scope of these plans, which also only involve around 21 per cent of Burlish Country Park.
“Significant public areas will still remain accessible to all and, further to that, we have a commitment to biodiversity mitigation measures and would intend to work closely with the Council in that regard.”
The proposal is set to be considered by the authority’s Cabinet tonight (Thursday).
Should the process move forward, any future development would remain subject to planning permission and public consultation.
An online petition has been created by the Harriers giving fans and residents the chance to support the plans.
Visit form.jotform.com/261823077081052 to sign the petition.
