A plea from rugby club bosses for a last-ditch meeting with disgruntled residents to resolve its future have been rejected.

Alan Moss, of Rayleigh Wyverns Rugby Club, warned plans to use derelict Table House in Wickford's Memorial Park will be "dead in the water" unless a compromise can be found.

The club has run into opposition from neighbours who fear the move to turn the building into a clubhouse will result in excess noise and traffic chaos.

Mr Moss said: "If all those involved want to sit down and meet, we would be more than happy to do that - otherwise the proposal is dead in the water.

"The council may then be forced to bulldoze the building and we will have to start looking for an alternative home."

Wickford-based contractor Carter and Ward has a covenant on the land which states it can only be used as a retreat for disadvantaged children.

This means Basildon Council, which owns the site, is currently unable to approve Rayleigh Wyverns' application.

Director of Carter and Ward, Peter Carter, said the firm was willing to meet with representatives from both sides to discuss the matter further.

He added: "I have already had approaches from residents and the rugby club but it is not up to me.

"The board of directors is due to meet again to consider the covenant and the issue is far from decided."

Dennis Swaysland, who is heading up a residents campaign, has even threatened to camp out on the site to delay development.

He said: "The club should have consulted us before it charged headlong into this project.

"It chose to ignore us and we are not prepared to meet with them now."

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