A LAST-MINUTE plea has been issued to villagers in the fight to finally bin controversial plans to build homes on the site of an historic football ground.

Proposals to move Neilston Juniors from their home at Brig O’Lea, in Uplawmoor Road, to Kington Playing Fields are being considered by East Renfrewshire Council as part of the Local Development Plan 2 (LDP2).

This would see the Junior club leave its home of more than 70 years so it can be torn down and replaced by housing.

It is not the first time the stadium’s future has been called into question, as it was included in the original Local Development Plan.

Officials at Neilston Juniors have urged council bosses to dump the plans once and for all.

Kevin Robertson, club secretary, said: “We are of the understanding that this is just an oversight and has been carried over from the first Local Development Plan.

“We are still pressing ahead with our plans for Brig O’Lea, which will include continuing to grow our youth academy and utilising the pitch seven days a week.

“The club and the ground mean an awful lot to people in the village, just like Dunterlie does to the people of Barrhead.

“We would ask the council to ensure it is removed from the Local Development Plan ahead of the next stage and ask people to continue to put in their objections to ensure this happens.”

Neilston Juniors do not own the land but secured a long-term lease until 2045.

A council spokesperson said: “Any representations received in relation to the proposals included in LDP2 will be considered and presented to the Scottish Government’s Reporter in advance of the plan being fully adopted

.”

Villagers who would like to submit their opinions on LDP2 must do so before the end of Friday.

Visit eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/ldp2 for more information.