A BARREN wasteland which attracts rats, fly-tippers and joy-riders is how many residents describe the new college site on Haughton Road.

For years, the field has been almost empty, home only to the odd burnt-out car or abandoned mattress, while one development after another has been suggested for the land.

Yesterday, those whose homes overlook the site said they would be delighted to see it built on.

"It is about time something was done," said John Cooper, 59, of Vicarage Road. "For the past 20 years now they have been going to develop all sorts of things on there and it's never come off.

"We have been told there was going to be a filling station, a cinema and a bingo hall. But it's never happened. I will look forward to the college coming."

Many residents on the opposite side of Haughton Road were also in favour of the move. "It's an eyesore at the moment," said Isabel Hastie, 73. "We have been here 37 years and the fence has been mended a dozen times, but it keeps getting vandalised. If the college came there it would stop all that."

Patrick Warren, 60, said: "There have been ten different projects in the past two or three years suggested for over there.

"I think they will build on it eventually and the college would be a really positive thing for the area."

Ward councillor Ian Haszeldine said he would support the college plans. "I think the development can only improve the facilities in that area and it would be an ideal use of the land," he said.

Lisa Parker, of Sharmas newsagents, agreed. "We will get more customers in here, which can only be a good thing."

But not all are in favour. Christopher Baines, 21, said he walked his dog on the field.

He said: "I would prefer it to stay as open space. The traffic on this road is already a nightmare and it will make it even worse."