RESIDENTS are "shocked" by a council's plan to build a school on a playing field.

Community group, The Friends of Hervey Road Sports Field, is outraged by the Greenwich Council plan to relocate Willow Dene School, in Plumstead, to the field in Blackheath.

Members claim the field is an important facility used by sports clubs and Blackheath Bluecoat School in Old Dover Road, and say it has been allowed to deteriorate.

About 50 residents attended a Greenwich Council meeting, last Wednesday (July 30), to protest against the plans.

At the meeting, group committee member Richard Dinkeldein said: "We are shocked and dismayed that plans have developed so far without any public consultation.

"We are determined to make Hervey Road Sports Field a centre for sporting excellence, fun and enjoyment for school children, for the community, forever."

The group was set up in June last year and claims to represent around 1,000 residents.

But the council says the school, currently in Swingate Lane, has fallen into disrepair and desperately needs to relocate.

At the meeting, Labour councillor John Fahy confirmed that the field has been earmarked by council officers as an ideal location for the school.

He said: "We are considering some options, but if and when a decision is made on the school then there will be a public consultation."

A motion tabled by Tory councillors to recognise the importance of the field's sports facilities was snubbed by the council.

Cllr Fahy denied that the field is an important site for sport and said: "Hervey Road is not currently used for sport and if we look at the area, it's awash with facilities."

Chairman of the group Susan Proudfoot was disappointed by the councillor's comments and says she has organised a petition with more than 1,000 signatures.

She said: "It's disgraceful that they think the area is awash with sports facilities. The cricket club there is absolutely desperate for a pitch.

"As an Olympic borough the council shouldn't be building on any playing fields. It's appalling and it shows complete disregard for the views and intelligence of local people."