New Town ground is an asset

Over the past months I have read with dismay many letters on the subject of the new football ground at Oteley Road. New Meadow is something the whole county can take pride in.

I am a season ticket holder and avid away supporter of the football club. I am female, by no means young, and would prefer to be considered as approaching middle age. I am not a threat in any way to fellow members of the public and I must admit do feel somewhat indignant when people try to stereotype me. I enjoy watching football along with many others of all ages. At home matches I sit in front of a gentleman in his nineties who has supported the Town for many years.

I work full time as a secretary, so my visits to Shrewsbury on Saturday allow me time to go into the town centre and spend money shopping and eating, thus in my small way helping the local economy. I have made many good friends through my association with the club, none of whom could be considered as a problem to others.

The building of the New Meadow should be seen as a great asset for both the town of Shrewsbury and the county of Shropshire and its facilities seen as a great opportunity for the future.

The community pitches will bring opportunities to the maximum number of youngsters possible - it is noticeable that many of the old photographs printed in the local press are of football teams from the past - perhaps in 50-60 years time some of these will have been taken at the new ground since the love of playing football in Shropshire shows no sign of decline.

Sheila Downes, Bishop's Castle