THE councillor behind a petition opposing Grimsby Town's plans for a new football stadium has been urged to work with the club to ensure the best outcome for the community.
Park ward councillor Andrew De Freitas (Lib Dem) has launched a campaign against the plan, saying that the site close to Grimsby Crematorium is an "inappropriate" place for a football ground.
However, Grimsby Town director John Fenty believes that residents' concerns can be appeased, and encouraged Councillor De Freitas to play his part in making negotiations over the project to be as constructive as possible.
Mr Fenty also reminded Councillor De Freitas that he had voted against Town's planned relocation to Great Coates in 2002, which he described as a "sad day" for the football club.
Mr Fenty said: "What concerns me is that Councillor De Freitas does not seem to recognise the need for the football club to relocate.
"We need a community stadium for the football club not only to thrive but ultimately survive.
"This is a scheme that does not have a viable planning application. It is being worked up with officers and there are a number of concerns and objections that we need to overcome before there is any realistic hope of submitting a planning application.
"From the football club's point of view I believe those concerns can be overcome and a viable planning application could be forthcoming.
"During that process there will be a proper consultation to deal with people's concerns and we believe we can appease those concerns."
He said events at the football club would not conflict with funerals taking place at the nearby crematorium.
"It is right we respect people's need for privacy and quiet but the facts are there will be no conflict.
"Wherever you have a relocation of this sort it is going to cause public anxiety, particularly to those that live nearby, but what is most important is that during the planning process people's concerns are properly recognised and we resolve those issues the best we can.
"I'm sure Councillor De Freitas doesn't want my advice but if I were him I would be looking to work with the football club to ensure that the best negotiations take effect to appease residents' concerns and get the best on behalf of the community and particularly near neighbours.
"If he had supported the relocation to Great Coates then it wouldn't be on his doorstep now."
As reported, Councillor De Freitas said: "The main reason why I am against the plans is because the land was set like it is strategically to separate Peaks Parkway and Weelsby Avenue.
"It shouldn't be built here and it's important to have green land to save for our future generations.
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