PROTESTERS were out in force outside Stretford Town Hall last night.

Up to 200 were there to protest at plans to create an all-weather 3G football pitch at Turn Moss a 60 seater café, public toilets, children’s play area, improved changing facilities and a trail with outdoor fitness equipment and improved car parking.

A public petition has been launched by the Friends of Turn Moss following the revised Stretford Masterplan to help save what some see as a loss of the land and meadow.

While many are in agreement with the changes, the friends group fears that elderly residents living close to the site could have their lives ruined by additional noise, traffic and their loss of open land.

Earlier this month, Trafford Council told the Messenger: “We are engaged with residents about the proposals for Turn Moss during consultation on the Refreshed Stretford Masterplan before Christmas and is now consulting again through the planning application process on the detailed plans.

“Whilst there were concerns raised by some members of the community in the initial consultation there was also support for the proposals from the community.

"If approved, the scheme will significantly enhance the infrastructure at Turn Moss and provide local community benefit. The new facilities will be managed by the Council’s leisure company, Trafford Leisure CIC Ltd, which is a Community Interest Company specifically incorporated for community benefit.

"Salford City Football Club’s lease of the training facilities makes all this investment possible, but they are also keen to become a partner of the community and actively provide benefits to local residents.

“Working alongside Trafford Leisure they are pledging resources and expertise to run fitness programmes and provide access for the community to watch training sessions as well as creating a community engagement forum for local people to have a voice."

The petition can be found at surveyhero.com/c/c6ad30c5