PEOPLE against plans to revamp the Wharf Lane recreation ground in Ilminster have launched a petition to ‘Save Britten’s Field’.

More than 30 people attended the group’s first meeting and they have handed out forms to show they are opposed to the plans, which include relocating sports pitches and providing car parking spaces, paths, plants and play equipment.

Susan Moore, of Ilminster, who set up the campaign, told the News the council was not listening and hoped the petition showed the strength of feeling about the plans.

She added: “It seems to be a bizarre move – we set up the petition because we want to leave the football and cricket clubs where they are and leave Britten’s Field open.

“There is a football pitch there at the moment that anybody can use and I am hoping at the next town council meeting people realise this is not best for Ilminster.”

Plans to build a new clubhouse for Ilminster Football Club at the bottom of Britten’s Field – with the club moving from its current Wharf Lane site – along with a parking area and children’s play facilities, were approved at January’s town council meeting.

The clubhouse would include four player changing rooms, two referee rooms and a social room which would also be available to the community.

Carol Goodall, chairman of the open spaces review group, said she knows some people are not happy but stressed the town council was looking to the future.

She added: “The town is growing and there are youth groups who do not have the provision for sports or it is a bit limited. We have to look to improve that.”

Bosses at Ilminster Football Club have been working on the move for more than a decade and said it would secure the club’s future.

In October last year, Ilminster Cricket Club officials told the News they were worried the changes could lead to the club losing thousands of pounds and see scores of players leaving.

Susan Moore said she will be at Britten’s Field from 9-10am on Sunday if anyone would like to sign the petition.