DOZENS of residents have complained about a proposed new Salvation Army premises.

More than 50 people have signed a petition against the building of a meeting hall and community centre next to Oakes Police Station on New Hey Road.

Protest organiser Richard Plunkett outlined the residents’ objections.

He said: “Building on the playing fields will establish a precedent for future developers. We are also greatly concerned about plans to demolish the police station which we feel provides a reassuring presence.

“Finally, we are concerned that a new hall which could hold 150 people would increase congestion on an already busy road.”

Mr Plunkett, who lives opposite the site, suggested several alternative locations for the Salvation Army.

He said: “There’s St James’ the Great Church which is soon to be vacated and Acre Mill opposite the Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. Or they could go to the Field Head building next to St Stephen’s Church which is not in use at the moment.”

Mr Plunkett, who has lived in the area for three years, has gathered more than 50 signatures against the proposal in just two days.

The Salvation Army has been trying to buy the land for five years.

The charity left its old headquarters at Prospect Hall in Springwood in Easter, 2004, moving to the Methodist Mission for two-and-a-half years before relocating again to Lindley Evangelical Church.