A PLAN by Wellington Tennis Club to erect a third tennis court at Wellington Playing Field is opposed by the town council and the local soccer club because they feel it could lead to the loss of an existing football pitch and have an adverse impact on existing sports facilities.

Colin Waller, the football club’s welfare officer, told councillors it had no objection to the extra court, only to its proposed position, which might mean the loss of a pitch.

There were not enough soccer pitches in the town as it was and with 300 children playing with the club every pitch was badly needed. It could also affect the mound, which was a feature of the ground, and possibly the cricket square. Spare tennis courts were available at Court Fields School which could be used by the tennis club.

Cllr Andrew Govier said he was concerned about the impact of the new tennis court on the soccer pitch and the cricket square.

Discussions had taken place between the sports clubs about the future use of the playing field but the tennis club had not come back for further discussions over its plans for a new court. He felt more consultation was needed.

The town council decided to recommend Taunton Deane Borough Council, which owns the playing field, to refuse the scheme because of its adverse impact on the existing facilities there.

It was agreed to state that the town council remained supportive of the additional tennis court and hoped that an alternative plan would be submitted. The Deane will make the final decision.