A FOOTBALL club fears renewed demands for a bypass through Chepstow could lead to its pitch being earmarked for development.

A campaign to solve the traffic problems on Chepstow's busy A48 trunk road has gathered pace in the last three weeks following a crash on Hardwick Hill which left two motorists injured.

Local environmental group Friends of the Earth will hold a public meeting on the issue in September and town councillor Phil Hobson is calling for the National Assembly to review its plans for a bypass.

However, Thornwell Football Club fears the campaign could lead to the revival of plans for a bypass from Thornwell to Gloucester.

Members of the club say housing development in Chepstow means there are few options left for a bypass route, other than through their club.

The original plan for a Thornwell to Gloucester bypass was considered by Monmouthshire council four years ago.

The proposal outlines a bypass that would run from an existing feeder road on the Thornwell roundabout, through the back of Airfield Maybe and through Sedbury, meeting the A48 on the Gloucester side.

Armand Watts, a member of the football club, said if these plans were ever revisited it would be a disaster for the club.

And the club has enlisted the support of top Cardiff City footballer Robert Earnshaw in the fight to save their club.

Mr Watts said: "If the bypass happens it will cut across Thornwell Football Club. We have not had a firm answer on this yet, but the only area of land available is the playing field and the football club pitch.

"If this happens, it will be disastrous. It will mean an end to the club because there is no other area of land available.

"Earnie came to see us on Monday and he is concerned about what is happening to grass roots football clubs.

"He is a player with a conscience because of his background, and he is aware that there are a lot of kids who will not get an opportunity without clubs like this. He said he will continue to support us."

Armand Watts originally opposed plans for a bypass through Thornwell four years ago when he was mayor of Chepstow Town Council. He will stand again as town councillor for Thornwell in next week's election when he will voice his concerns about this issue.

PICTURED: Stephen Parker, the coach of Thornwell Football Club.