A rugby club's move to Wickford will mean an extra pitch - despite a councillor's assurance that it would not happen.

Rayleigh Wyverns hopes to make derelict Table House in Wickford's Memorial Park its new base, and use the adjoining sports field.

Malcolm Buckley (Con, Wickford South) had denied the application would involve the creation of any extra sports pitches.

However, a Basildon Council spokeswoman on Wednesday admitted one additional pitch would be necessary.

There are currently eight football pitches on the site. The development will mean one of these will be "moved" to make room for an additional rugby pitch.

The development will embarrass Mr Buckley, who wrote in a letter published in the Echo on June 8: "Unfortunately some residents have contacted me under the impression that there will be additional pitches on the site. I can categorically say that this is not the case."

Mr Buckley has now said: "The advice I have had is that there would be no more pitches.

"As far as we were concerned the officers clearly said it was a case of re-marking one of the soccer pitches."

Mr Buckley pointed out he did not have the power to stop extra pitches but added he would be asking officers to clarify the situation.

Dennis Swaysland, one of those campaigning against the plan, claims the move would lead to noisy late night booze sessions, more crime and traffic chaos.

He said: "The way it was put in his letter is that he thought we were scaremongering - but I never do anything without checking the facts.

"The council has not properly investigated this and hasn't taken steps to protect residents."

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