RESIDENTS are hoping councillors will kick out plans for a synthetic soccer pitch.

People living near the proposed site on land next to Audley Sports and Community Centre, Blackburn, were asked what they thought about the proposed scheme.

Eighty four said they were against it, while 78 were in favour. Blackburn Council has also received a 115-name petition objecting to the plans.

They fear the pitch will cause an increase in traffic and noise in the area, become a target for vandals and devalue property.

Now the council's community and leisure services committee will meet on Wednesday to consider the plans and other options, which include upgrading facilities at the existing pitch at nearby St Matthews Primary School.

If councillors approve the scheme, the council would need to secure funding from the City Challenge project and Sports Lottery Fund.

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