HUNDREDS of people packed into Foakes Hall on Tuesday night to show support for new sports facilities in Dunmow. The annual town meeting was besieged by people, young and old, who made clear that they want to see the construction of a new sports site at T

HUNDREDS of people packed into Foakes Hall on Tuesday night to show support for new sports facilities in Dunmow.

The annual town meeting was besieged by people, young and old, who made clear that they want to see the construction of a new sports site at The Broadway.

However, a group of residents living on the road raised concerns over road safety and urged the sports clubs to look elsewhere.

Group spokesman Elaine Hussain said: "We have photo evidence of nine crashes that have happened just 200 yards from the proposed entrance to the facility since November 2008. Traffic volumes on that road are increasing and there is no footpath for pedestrians.

"Having a sports facility on that road will be putting children's lives at risk."

Dunmow Rhodes Football Club is driving the plans forward and according to chairman Russ Alexander the need for pitches is greater than ever.

He said: "We have 13 youth teams and 240 children playing but we are still sharing facilities with schools and other teams on the recreation ground. We constantly have fixtures cancelled because our pitches are overused and unfit.

"There are no other sites suitable because we have been through the options. Dunmow has a growing young population and we are lagging behind other towns. The children deserve proper sports facilities."

Plans for a pavilion and four or five pitches are currently being prepared and a planning application is expected to be submitted before the end of the year.