NEARLY 700 people by Friday had signed an online petition urging Wellington Rugby Club to cease clearance work of trees and shrubs on land adjoining the Basins nature reserve.

Many more have emailed Somerset West and Taunton Council demanding a reversal of a proposed transfer of adjacent land to WRFC to enable a pitch extension.

In addition, Cllr Mike McGuffie, chairman of the town council’s environment committee, has criticised the potential loss of public land for the benefit of a members’ club.

He said: “WRFC is a private club. The benefits will mostly go to the rugby-playing members of the club. The general public may lose the use of the land, the amenity value of the trees and the environmental benefits of a wooded open space and an open stream. It therefore also brings a range of dis-benefits for the community.”

Gina Deacon, a local resident who started the online petition, said: “This is a very small reserve, close to the centre of the town, enjoyed by birds, animals and walkers alike. We are very grateful for the work done by the Basins Volunteers to care for it and are now shocked to learn that trees are already being removed.

“We would like this action to cease immediately, until a consultation process has been held for the public to determine our right to protect such a valuable space.

“Perhaps the rugby club could extend by relocating to a more accessible, solid area on the outskirts as it seems to need to. The ground here is unsuitable for sports anyway being waterlogged. I’m sure a much more suitable location could be found to enable the WRFC to fully utilise future potential.”

SWT has explained its position in a statement highlighting that the consultation prior to any transfer of land still has a day or so to run.

“If the council decides to transfer this land following the formal consultation process, it would remain publicly accessible. Further planting would be undertaken by the club and if any trees are to be lost they would be replaced on a three to one ratio in line with the agreed standard in the council’s Carbon Neutrality and Climate Resilience Action Plan.”