A consultation on the future of development in Neilston has now ended, and East Renfrewshire Council (ERC) is pouring over public responses to its proposals.

Outlined in the Neilston Development Infill Strategy, the proposals included major changes to Neilston Main Street, a museum and hotel development at the historic Crofthead Mill and the construction of houses on the Neilston Juniors home ground.

Should the plans go ahead, the Super League First Division side face vacating their home of 70 years to make way for 48 homes.

A sports development is muted for Kingston Playing fields which would see a full size artificial pitch with floodlights and a small stand installed.

Neilston manager Andy Whiteford encouraged residents to back their plans for a sports hub at a meeting of Neilston Community Council last month. The proposals would see sports and leisure in the town brought under a community run trust scheme, and the junior’s would retain their historic ground.

He said: “The general feeling amongst the fans was that no-one wanted to move from Brig O’Lea.” However the club officially received the backing of Neilston Community Council (NCC) after a public meeting revealed residents overwhelmingly objected to the plans.

There were no show of hands in support of the Brig O’Lea development at a February 11 meeting held by NCC.

Out of 50 people who voted, 47 said they did not support the plans, with three saying they were undecided.

Neilston Community Council’s report on the vote summaries public opinion, saying: “Brig O’Lea Stadium should be improved to incorporate other sports which is the intention of the club.

“Kingston Park should be upgraded but the Neilston Juniors should remain at Brig O’Lea.

“The council has no right to put housing on land gifted for sports to benefit people of Neilston: Keep Brig O’Lea, “Brig O’Lea is part of the history of Neilston.” A spokesman for NCC went on to say: “The community council does not support this proposal since Brig O’Lea only becomes an infill site if Neilston Juniors opt or are forced to move.

“Neilston Juniors do not wish to move but to develop and enhance Brig O’Lea stadium to encompass more sports groups.

“There is major support in the village to improve and enhance this part of Neilston’s heritage.

“There is sufficient new housing proposals in Neilston to more than fulfil the housing needs in the area at present if not in the foreseeable future with a declining population forecast for the Levern Valley.”