TWO major Hereford sporting clubs based on the banks of the River Wye say their existence is under threat - not from floods, but by the scheme designed to prevent them.

The Hereford Times can now reveal details of the long-awaited proposals and how they have caused city-based clubs with long histories to fear for their futures.

Both Hereford Rugby Club and Hereford Rowing Club believe a three-metre-high dyke, traversing 350m across their land, as outlined in W S Atkins' flood defences would have disastrous consequences.

The 30m-wide earth embankment would encroach on at least two of the rugby club's three pitches and wipe out parking spaces for those attending the rowing club.

In addition, rowers say a two-metre high concrete flood defence wall round their club would create even more problems, with access for boats and trailers virtually impossible.

Rugby club chairman Guy Griffiths, said: "We are trying to expand as we have so many members but, with this bolt from the blue, the future of rugby at Wyeside is looking bleak."

Rowing club flood liaison officer, Rebekah Hancock, said: "The proposed new access route into the club would seriously inconvenience our 160 members, eight affiliated clubs, delivery vehicles, visitors and guests on a daily basis.

"It would also make loading boat trailers and their towing on to and away from the premises a nightmare, if not an impossibility. The favoured scheme, if put into effect, could very well mean the closure of the club."

Both say the massive development across the northern floodplain of the Wye would do more harm than good.

"Obviously, if the proposal was to stop the misery caused by flooding, then it must be a good idea, but I don't see what use this would do," said Mr Griffiths.

"It would only come into use once every 100 years as the water does not reach the homes on Barton Road."

And, in an attack on the lack of consultation with the affected clubs, Mr Griffiths said: "It seems to me as though no-one wanted us to know about this until it was too late - it was like a big secret.

"We would not have known about this massive development had we not spoken with the rowing club.

"It is absolutely incredible no-one told us when you think it will affect hundreds of rugby club members."

In a statement, Hereford Rowing Club Committee said: "We wish to co-operate with the Environment Agency and their consultants as fully as possible, but to date there has been no attempt to involve the rowing club in the project in any meaningful way, and they have made no attempt to understand the functional requirements of the club.

"The club's most recent letter to the Environment Agency and to W S Atkins pointing out the access problems that their two schemes would create has been totally ignored."

ABOVE: Guy Griffiths, from Hereford Rugby Club, studies the plans. 042157-1