AMBITIOUS plans to transform Neyland Athletic Club into a £1.5million facility for the whole community have been scrutinised by locals.

Around 50 people attended a meeting last week, to see a presentation from project designers Acanthus Holden Architects, and hear what progress has been made.

A number of members of the public had questions relating to the involvement of the town council in the scheme.

The agreement drawn up between the Neyland Community Interest Company (CIC) and Neyland Town Council was explained, and the architect also showed how the council would have a dedicated office and use of meeting space in the new building.

Concern was raised that access to the pitches for emergency service vehicles was being restricted.

The designers explained that this was unlikely to be an issue, but welcomed proposals for a revised location to the access gate, which will now be included within the planning application.

The potential for anti-social behaviour on the external stairs was also raised as a concern, with some asking that the stairs be locked off in some way.

It was explained that the external stair was included principally to enhance the link between the upstairs social/meeting areas and the sports pitches, and that the whole facility would likely be locked up by 10pm each evening.

The design team suggested that an emergency access gate could be installed either at the bottom or top of the stair, and this was agreed to be added to the plans.

It was also confirmed that 800 square metres of land had been set aside by the Athletic Club to support the future provision of a children’s play area.

The final location is yet to be determined but the audience was shown some indicative layouts.

Cllr Paul Miller, who has been leading the project, said he was pleased that there was so much support for the proposals from those present, although two individuals wished it to be noted that they ‘remained unhappy that the existing town council building was to be sold’.

Following requests from attendees, the plans are now available to view online at neylandcommunitysportscentre.co.uk/final-community-hub-design/.