LYME Regis Football Club has pulled out as the lead organisation in the Strawberry Field project.

It was hoped that two football pitches and changing rooms would be constructed on the site.

However, at the town council's policy meeting on Wednesday, town clerk Mike Lewis read out two letters sent by Philip Evans, chairman of the football club, and Ken Caddy, chairman of the trustees of the Lyme Regis Sports Centre, withdrawing from the scheme.

The letter from Mr Evans said that the district council told the club that Strawberry Field had not been designated for recreational use in the local plan because its policy was to allow only light recreational use with no buildings on the site.

Mr Evans' letter said: "This is totally contrary to what we were led to believe when we last met the planning officers at that time they said they would consider an application for two pitches and changing rooms only and. we were working towards this.

"However, in view of the response to the local plan objection it is the view of the executive committee that the time has come to withdraw as the lead organisation in the project."

The letter added that the club's project account was already £11,000 in debt and that it could no longer afford to be involved in another planning application that was likely to be rejected.

The trustees have also refused. to include the Davey Fort in a new charitable trust that would link Davey Fort and Strawberry Field. Mr Caddy said in his letter: "There is no way the trustees would consent a skateboard park being constructed at the Davey Fort." Coun. Geoff Evemy said: "We would all like to see better sports facilities in the town. It's sad to reach this junction but this must not be left to die."

Coun Nigel Clarke said: "I think this can only be described as a white elephant I think we were poorly advised, particularly by West Dorset District Council.

"It's sad, but at least we own the land."

Coun Owen Lovell remained optimistic: "We have got. a piece of land that we have put down for recreational use.

"I've still not given up hope we can put a smaller scheme in the field.

"The district council said that the land can be used for recreational use.

"I'm disappointed about Davey Fort but I do understand their reasons."

The football club suggested that the project should be handed over to the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative, but Coun. Lovell disagreed.

He said: "I think we should now pursue this as a town. I want us to be in the driving seat."

Coun Lovell said he intended to check the district council's policy on buildings on Strawberry Field when he next meets the director of planning.