A PUBLIC meeting has been called amid growing controversy over plans to transform a sports pavilion dubbed an “embarrassment” to the community it serves.

Civic chiefs have received more than 250 letters following proposals to turn the pavilion at Woodside Park in Ridgeway Lane, Lymington, into a sporting and social hub.

Most of the letters received so far support the £245,000 scheme – but others claim it will destroy the park’s peace and tranquillity.

The row centres on plans by Lymington and Pennington Town Council to enlarge the 30-year-old pavilion by building two single-storey extensions.

Town hall bosses are working in partnership with the newly-formed Lymington Sports Association (LSA), which aims to unify clubs in the town and provide them with a proper base. Proposals include a medical room and better changing facilities.

But plans to lease the pavilion to the LSA and increase the size of the building by about 40 per cent have split the community.

Now the town council has decided to hold a public meeting to give people a chance to have their say.

Critics claim the proposed development will create extra traffic problems in the Woodside Park area. They also fear it will lead to rowdy and anti-social behaviour, especially if the new-look facility is allowed to sell alcohol.

New Forest District Council, which will determine the application, has received several letters from people living nearby.

Liz Sim, of Woodside Avenue, says the scheme will have a “devastating” effect on the park and its surroundings.

In a letter to fellow Woodside residents Mike Woodford also cites safety concerns. He says: “There are no proper footpaths for pedestrians in the lane and no lighting for safe passage back to cars after what will inevitably be late-night events.”

But backers of the scheme say it represents a golden opportunity to improve sports provision by transforming a building that “smacks of the 1970s”.

Richard Jenner, of Kings Road, Lymington, adds: “The current pavilion is an embarrassment to Lymington. I understand some of the concerns raised by neighbouring residents but these can be addressed by robust management controls.”

Responding to criticism of the scheme LSA chairman Mark Seamer said it had been the victim of “misinformation” that was causing “unnecessary anguish”.

He said about half the association’s 800 members already used the Woodside Park facilities.

He confirmed that the LSA would be applying for an alcohol licence but added: “Anyone using the bar will have to be a member of one of the clubs or a guest of one of the members.”

n The public meeting will be held at Lymington Town Hall on January 12 at 7.30pm.