A PAIR of Green Party councillors have publicly opposed building Worcester City's new football stadium on Perdiswell Park.

Councillors Neil Laurenson and Matthew Jenkins have spoken out against the plans, citing residents' opposition and traffic concerns.

However, the football club's supporters' trust branded the Green Party's move premature.

Trust chairman Dave Wood said the plans had not been officially released so it was too early to condemn them.

After discussions with the party, he was expecting for the Greens to wait for the plans to be validated before commenting.

Mr Wood said: "I'm disappointed to hear they've gone along those lines.

"These plans are about enhancing the area and making sure Perdiswell gets the sports and recreation areas it has been allocated.

"Our passion is to get our football club back playing in Worcester and make sure the football club survives.

"A lot of people are working very hard to get the plans through and they are crucial.

"Perdiswell fits exactly what we want - in terms of transport links and green use."

Residents’ views, increasing traffic, the county council's lack of flexibility on safe crossings and the loss of park and ride were reasons Councillors Laurenson and Jenkins put forward to label Perdiswell Park unsuitable for the stadium.

Cllr Laurenson said: "We want Worcester City FC to be playing in Worcester again, but having spoken with many residents and considered the likely impact on the local area, we believe a better location for a new ground must be found."

Cllr Laurenson admitted the Green Party had intended to wait until the plans were published before making a comment.

However, he said the closure of the park and ride - as well as this opposition of residents - had forced the party's hand and meant they felt obliged to comment.

The city council is expected to validate the plans for public consumption in the next couple of weeks.

Worcester City are currently exiled at Kidderminster Harriers' Aggborough ground after leaving their old home at St George's Lane last year.

The application is for a 4,130 capacity stadium, including a 500-seater main stand, 3G pitch for community use, three full-size grass pitches, two nine-aside fields, and conference or classroom facilities.