RESIDENTS have voiced their concerns about a plan to build a sports complex near their homes.

Members of the South Billingham Residents' Association met on Friday to discuss the plans by David Scott to develop a 200-acre site stretching from the A19 slip-road at Norton and Billingham roundabout to Portrack, Stockton.

Stockton Borough Council has not yet received a formal planning application, but Mr Scott has proposed using the complex for greyhound racing, speedway, baseball and American football.

He also plans to create a wildlife habitat with cycleways, footpaths and trees.

The meeting was called to discuss with Mr Scott residents' concerns about the plan, but he did not attend.

Residents say they are plagued by the anti-social behaviour of youths, many of whom use the site for riding motorbikes and drinking.

They feel that the development would increase the problems.

They are also concerned about noise from the speedway and an increase in traffic.

They also do not want the land to be developed because of the wildlife that lives there.

Kevin Pitt, Billingham Partnership Board chairman, who attended the meeting, said: "At the moment the land is creating problems and we can't hide the fact people are going there with guns and motorbikes and something has got to be done before someone is hurt or maybe even killed. The site as it is cannot be left - it is dangerous.

"Plans have not been submitted to the council yet, and until we know the facts we are just guessing."

Mr Pitt suggested forming a steering group to open a line of communication between Mr Scott and residents.

Mr Scott previously said residents would be consulted about any plans, and if they were not happy he would walk away from the development.