Plans to transform a potato field into a football ground and clubhouse look set to be given the thumbs down.

Southend football team Fairfax Rangers is desperate to find itself a permanent home and had hoped to move to land in Rochford.

Nowhere to go - Peter Wilson, pictured with his son Logan, 12, and Karl Hughes who both play for the club, is shocked that plans have been turned down Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

However Rochford district councillors have been recommended to turn down the scheme for the football ground on land near Broomhills nursing home off Stambridge Road, Stambridge.

Peter Wilson, chairman of Fairfax Rangers, said he was shocked by the news which he says leaves the club with an uncertain future.

He said: "There is a big shortage of football pitches in Southend and we thought we had the perfect answer."

A report recommended refusing the application because the site was in a remote location."

Published Thursday, May 29, 2003

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