POOLE council is urging residents to make their voices heard on Poole Town's ambitious £1 million proposals to redevelop Branksome Recreation Ground.

The club wants to refurbish the crumbling pavilion and changing rooms, build a new ground for home games and construct three multi-use game areas.

Branksome residents have already received a letter from council containing an outline of the plans and inviting them to a public meeting at the recreation ground's pavilion on April 19.

Cllr Peter Adams, cabinet portfolio holder for culture and leisure, said the council was "positive" over the benefits of the scheme, but wanted to hear the public's views on the proposals before any decisions were made.

He said: "The proposal will bring significant community gains as well as improvements to the facilities, but we also recognise that part of the proposals will affect public open space and residents.

"The proposition has great merit but we have to make sure it is right for the people of Poole."

Development of a new ground and the multi-use areas would take place at the Albert Road end of the rec, while the larger Alder Road end would have its pitches upgraded but remain much the same.

Cllr Joyce Lavender, a member of the Friends of Branksome Rec committee, said she was "largely supportive" of the plans and was keen to maximise the use of the area.

She said: "It is a huge area which is currently being under-used. We have to look after it because it is very precious."

Cllr Phil Eades, Branksome West councillor, said some residents had already raised issues about parking and a loss of open space with him.

He said: "We will lose some open space to the stadium and what we don't want is to lose any additional space to parking."

Poole Town would take over administration of the upgraded pitches and pavilion.

Chris Reeves, vice-chairman of the club, said they had already held positive meetings with the FA, Dorset FA and Football Foundation over funding for their plans.

The council and the club itself would also provide substantial contributions to the development.

Poole Town has spent £180,000 upgrading its current home at Tatnam Farm over the last six years, but is looking to improve its facilities as it eyes promotion up the non-league football pyramid.