WITH reference to the report of the recent Totton Planning Committee meeting (Echo 6/7), I am disappointed that councillors, having recently celebrated with AFC Totton at a civic reception, should oppose plans that would be to the benefit of the community as a whole.

The meeting was blatantly tailored for the benefit of the anti-brigade, the pros being given short shrift despite a strong presence, and the chairman hardly displaying a neutral stance by unilaterally deciding that the meeting would oppose the plans.

The proposals provide a genuine opportunity to make better use of the three sites by providing space for housing, improved facilities for AFC Totton and Totton and Eling FC, and providing facilities better suited to the needs of disabled group TADDAC (currently at AFC Totton).

All three plots of land are privately owned, with no public right of way, but the proposals would open up land at Little Testwood Farm for public access.

The temerity of Councillor Lagdon, who admitted going to the FA Vase Final, and then states that "football teams come and football teams go", beggars belief, and he should hang his head in shame. The comment was disrespectful to any football club, let alone one that brought the community together and helped put the name of Totton on the map.

My fear is that should the council's blinkered rejection be ratified by the NFDC, then the Southern Gardens ground, owned by BAT, will be closed and left to the elements. The subsequent loss of all sporting and social facilities there would be down to a council lacking any foresight.

PHOENIX (name and address supplied).