RESIDENTS who backed the Birchfield consortium in its successful bid to buy the Albright & Wilson sports ground could be on the verge of a volte-face because of expansion plans.

The club's new owners hope to attract new events and customers to the Birchfield Road site, including plans for a new open air restaurant.

But one resident, who supported the consortium, lashed the plans, saying: "How do the management thank us? By announcing plans for increased and noisier activities.

"We were forced to ring the club last Friday night at 12.10am as the music was still blaring and we were unable to sleep," said the Ingham Road dweller.

"The management committee will definitely have a fight on their hands as several people are already complaining about the developments.

"They will find local residents not supporting, but strongly opposing, them if these plans proceed."

Ronnie George, club manager, said he hoped to resolve any conflicts by working with local people.

"We hope to get around problems by working alongside the local residents.

"The open day that we have just had was exactly what that was for. It was a great success."

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