WHERE are the negatives? That is the question the vice-chairman of Poole Town Football Club is asking in the wake of fierce reaction over the decision to back plans for a new ground at Branksome Rec.

As reported in the Daily Echo yesterday many locals blasted the decision, saying that Poole council had gone with the minority.

But today Chris Reeves, vice chairman at the football club, has hit back at the critics.

He told the Daily Echo that the club was “keen to demonstrate to our opponents that we can be good neighbours and that all the gains for the people of Poole, and of course Branksome, that we have promised will be delivered”.

Mr Reeves said that only 17 per cent of the rec was in the plans, leaving most of it free for dog walkers, joggers and youngsters to enjoy.

He added: “A refurbished pavilion will be available to a whole host of community groups for meetings, seminars and classes.

“The refurbished changing rooms will be a huge encouragement for local sport. The cricket club will at last have decent facilities to encourage youngsters to take up the game. The disabled will be able to use the all weather games area proposed.

“Where are the negatives in all this?

“We are very sad that so many people appear to be worried without any cause; we are disappointed that there have been so many untruths spread about our proposals and so much scaremongering adopted to instil needless worries.”

Jeff Williams, of Jubilee Road, Branksome, added: “If people read the report they would see how many good things are going in. Residents have persuaded themselves that it’s all totally bad. There’s a huge amount to be gained here. I think a lot of fear is leading it unnecessarily.”