I COULD not say that I’m a big rugby fan in the slightest, but many people in Herefordshire take part in the sport and it plays a huge role in the local sporting scene.

I think that planners thereford made the correct decision yesterday (Wednesday) in approving a proposal for Hereford Rugby Club to move from its current flood-hit home at Wyeside to land off Hampton Park Road.

Of course, the objections stated by local residents are valid, especially as the site is in a rural area and it could impact on the local landscape, but in my opinion, the reasons for approving it far outweigh those for not.

I may not have played much competitive sport when I was growing up, but I would always actively participate and gave everything a go.

My abiding memories as a child are of getting a ball and playing whichever sport with my friends, whether it was before, during or after school and it gave me great satisfaction and enjoyment.

It is a real shame to hear about the rise in obesity among young people and about youths getting into trouble because there is nothing for them to do.

As Hereford Rugby Club admits itself, its current home at Wyeside is in a poor location, not least because of the flooding problems it has to deal with. So a move to Hampton Bishop, where everything is already in place, seems like the only option.

It would mean that hundreds of young people would have something to do and at the same time lead a healthy lifestyle, as well as enabling the rugby club to attract far better opposition and reinforcing its position on the sporting map.

Maybe the addition of 190 homes will create a problem, especially as it will increase traffic flow on a B-class road, but at least it will mean many people coming off the housing list and into homes of their own.

I do sympathise with the concerns raised by residents, but in my opinion the development creates a long-term benefit for everyone in the county.