A ROW has erupted between villagers and councillors over plans to apply for a grant to build a sports field and pavilion.

Members of Heighington Parish Council were accused of having a second agenda in their bid to transform the village's playing fields.

A villager attending the council meeting in Heighington Village Hall on Thursday described the council's proposed deal with the Football Foundation as onerous.

Objectors are unhappy about the council's intention to apply to the body for funding to help pay for the work, which is estimated at £32,000.

Some villagers fear the sports field will become too football-orientated and funding could lock the village into a complicated 21-year deal.

They also protested about a closed meeting between the council and Football Foundation.

Councillors say there is a lot of support in the village for the football pitches and that villagers will be consulted at a public meeting when all the information about the bid has been gathered.

Planning approval for the sports facilities was granted in April despite 109 letters of objection.

A football development plan is being drawn up and estimates for the work are being carried out. If the bid is successful, there will be no obligation to accept the grant if the village is against it.