MORE than 500 people have signed a petition supporting the controversial scheme to layout sports pitches at Bishopsteignton.

Young footballers in the Teignmouth area have had to beg and borrow facilities to play on after the Broadmeadow fields were put out of bounds several years ago, because of contamination fears from the old rubbish tip.

Teignbridge Council wants to convert Michaels Field, adjoining the main road past Bishopsteignton, but the project has run into opposition from some villagers who maintain it would be over-development.

The petition was organised by parents, supporters and managers of Broadmeadow STFC, which fields several youth football teams, with support from the public who signed it in local shops.

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