PROPOSALS to upgrade the sporting facilities at Down Grange have been met with a mixed reaction by residents.

The major proposed improvements include giving Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletics Club an extra two lanes to make an eight-lane track, a 250-seat spectator stand and enhanced field event facilities.

Under the scheme, Basingstoke rugby club would see their first XV pitch moved to a more central location - possibly floodlit and enclosed - and the construction of a 500-seat spectator stand.

The existing hockey pitch would be down-sized and relocated on the site.

The latest plans - which have gone out for public consultation - were drawn up by an architect for the borough council as part of a feasibility study.

But residents living near the sporting complex fear the development will bring extra congestion and parking problems in their road during games.

Chantal Brown, 50, of Coniston Road, said: "They don't have enough parking, it's ridiculous. Someone's going to get killed trying to cross Pack Lane."

Neighbour Peter Haywood, 50, said he was also concerned about parking but generally welcomed the changes.

"It's progress," he said. "Without a doubt, it will be an improvement and it might create some more jobs and give something for the youngsters to do."

Kempshott and District Residents' Association chairman Nigel Murgatroyd said: "The problem at Down Grange at the moment is that after a big match we end up with gridlock in Kempshott. We would like to see an access point from the A30."

He added that residents were also against the fencing-off of public open space and were concerned about the relocation of the first XV rugby pitch, bringing it closer to some houses, and the impact of additional floodlighting.

Cllr John Shaw, Cabinet member for recreation and culture, said: "It's a consultation exercise at the moment so we want to invite residents' views as well as those of the hockey, rugby and athletics clubs. The extra parking spaces would ease congestion, especially in places like Coniston Road."

A borough council spokesman said there were no precise costings for the current plans at present, and it is not known exactly where the funding would come from.

However, the plans will be on display tomorrow in the rugby club car park between 9.30am and 1pm. Representatives from the council and the athletics and rugby clubs will be on hand to discuss the proposals.