KIDDERMINSTER Harriers’ ambitious plans for a new “ground-breaking” stadium has been greeted with mixed feelings from fans and Shuttle readers.

Last week, the Shuttle reported how proposals had been submitted to Wyre Forest District Council for Kidderminster Harriers Football Club’s stadium development – which would also include a training complex and educational facilities.

The proposed new site is at the club’s current Centre of Sporting Excellence, in Zortech Avenue, which is also home to their Football Academy and training base for the first team.

It was later revealed the club had submitted the tentative proposals as part of Wyre Forest District Council’s eight-week review of its Local Plan, which will guide future development of the district until 2034. The plans could potentially free up the council-owned Aggborough site for residential development.

However, Harriers fans and Shuttle readers took to our Facebook page and website to express their thoughts on the plans – with some in favour of the club’s ambitious future proposals, while others were against the move from Harriers’ home for more than 120 years at Aggborough.

Responding to a poll on the Shuttle website, 64 per cent of readers said that Harriers should go ahead with the plans for a new stadium, while 36 per cent were against the move.

While, on the Shuttle Facebook page, the news was met with mixed views.

Caroline Anne Catmur said: “It needs somewhere with better parking facilities.”

Ian Kearns said: “Prime housing land right there. Pretty sure the majority of the local residents would be glad for it to go so they haven’t got cars blocking the pavements every other Saturday and throughout the week.”

Anthony Room said: “I am all for improved facilities, but one of Aggborough’s best attributes was its proximity to the train station.

“Now visiting fans and homes fans will have to get either a bus into town (or walk) and then face the experience of waiting for a No.3 bus to Stourport.”

Daniel Mendleson said: “It is less convenient for a lot of fans being the other end of town. I will have to get the bus there instead of a 10 minute walk, which adds further expense to a match day.”

Harry Taylor added: “While I can't fault Colin Gordon's ambition, his plans show a complete disregard for the supporters and the club's sense of history. For myself and many others, Aggborough is where we fell in love with football, and fell in love with the Harriers.

“My grandad's been going to Aggborough since before the Second World War, and ever since the first time he took me there, I was addicted. To lose that for a huge amount of supporters will be a tragic shame.”

Under the proposals, the new venue would encompass a new, purpose-built stadium for Kidderminster Harriers, as well as a large training complex which would house their youth, academy and senior teams. In addition, the site would also feature education facilities for all age groups.

Harriers bosses hope the new facility would provide a boost to the area for employment and educational opportunities.

Colin Gordon, club chairman, said: “I fully understand and respect that there is a sentiment around Aggborough Stadium as a footballing venue - it has played a big part in my career both a long time ago and more recently too.

"But the simple fact of the matter is that we cannot be at the heart of our community if we are sat in the middle of a housing estate - the local population is growing dramatically and we just aren't physically in the right position to offer what we believe a football club should offer its community."