AS plans for Swindon Town's new stadium were unveiled to the public yesterday, residents voiced their concerns.

It was the first opportunity members of the public had to view the plans since the club announced last month it hopes to leave the County Ground within the next three years.

Residents of West Swindon claim their homes would be in the shadow of the 22,000 all-seater stadium.

And supporters from the Swindon Forest Protection group, whose slogan, Forest Not Stadium, now adorns lamp-posts across West Swindon, were out making their voices heard.

They are set to stage a larger protest at noon tomorrow along Mead Way. They hope to show how match day crowds might affect traffic.

Hundreds of people visited Roughmoor hall yesterday to see the plans.

Some were just curious about what developer St Modwen has in store, others were angry and concerned about the proposed "monstrosity" they feel could be on their doorsteps within years.

Two possible plans for the sports village were on show, as well as planned transport links.

Cherri Matthews, of Sparcells, put her concerns to representatives from St Modwen.

She said: "If these plans go ahead, my quality of life will be drastically reduced and I've told them that.

"Having seen the proposals my concerns are even greater than they were before.

"They don't care about what they're putting on our doorstep, they just care about the cash they can make.

"We'll all be protesting this plan every step of the way."

Some campaigners had been concerned the club and St Modwen had arranged the first public consultation in a small village hall.

The hall can only hold 50 people and St Modwen acknowledged that a larger hall might be needed next time.

Police were present in case trouble occurred but the event ran smoothly.

St Modwen's chief executive Bill Oliver said: "I have spoken to lots of people who have raised concerns and we are taking their ideas on board.

"There are some good suggestions coming from the public but I feel it's a bit early to be protesting."

The plans will be on show to the public again on Thursday at the County Ground from 1pm to 8pm.

Emma-Kate Lidbury