Residents living near the Coventry City ground would like to turn the empty Sky Blue Tavern into a community centre, but haven’t got the money.

The Sky Blues have offered to put up £100,000 towards a community building once the bulldozers have moved in to Highfield Road.

There are plans to build 100 homes in the area, and the money is being given as a gesture to the community that has had to put up with match day noise and traffic for years.

But a local councillor says the club should be prepared to pay more, and the city council should also back the development of facilities in the area.

Cllr Rob Windsor (Socialist, St Michael’s) said:

“There aren’t enough community facilities in Hillfields anyway, but there’s nothing at all in the area around the football ground.

“The money that the club is offering won’t go very far. They are a Premiership club and could afford more than that.”

Along with other ward councillors, Cllr Windsor has called a meeting at the club for local people to express their views on the future housing, which will be built when the new Sky Blues stadium.

Representatives of McLean have been invited to hear what people think on Tuesday at 7.30pm in the Ladbrokes Suite. Entry is via Swan Lane.

Cllr Windsor said the views would be taken on board by the councillors and put into the planning system when a detailed application is made.

Currently there is only outline planning permission for 100 houses.

Cllr Windsor said:

“Developers often present their plans as a fait accompli.

“We are hoping that they will agree to listen to the views of the people who will be living next to these new houses and some sort of consultative body will be set up.

“We’ve helped local groups put some ideas forward, but we want individuals in the area to come forward as well.”