TRUST members have hit back at a football team after they were accused of using them to add weight to their campaign.

Caversham Trents FC (CTFC) have publicly objected to controversial plans to relocate The Heights Primary School to Mapledurham Playing Fields (MPF).

Daniel Mander, chair of CTFC, slammed the school's supporters for using the football team to promote the project in 'leaflets'.

He explained: "It has come to our attention that the Heights School supporters are circulating a document that names Caversham Trents and it makes it look like we are in favour of the Heights School being built on MPF.

"The Heights School did not consult CTFC on production of this document nor ask permission to use our name.

"We find it very disappointing that their campaign has dropped to this level."

The Education Funding Agency (EFA) is offering £1.36m to enhance the amenity value of the land, with an alternative proposal - Fit4All - being put forward by action groups against the move.

Mr Mander added: "We would like to re-emphasise that, following a review of both the Heights and Fit4All proposal, Caversham Trents have decided to support the Fit4All proposal, that has the benefit of protecting our ever-shrinking park land and football pitches, while delivering a greater footballing and community legacy."

Parents of The Heights rejected the claims and explained CTFC had only been used as part of an online infographic to asses the pros and cons of the EFA's offer and not misrepresented as a supporter of the project.

A statement for the Heights Trust states: "It is most regrettable Mr Mander has misinterpreted both the EFA offer and the infographic.

"We know many members of CTFC do not share the club’s position, as the club includes Heights children as members and also Heights parents.

"The EFA offer will be paid directly to the Trustees of the playing fields and they cannot use this money for the needs of the school and are legally required to spend it on the improvement of the fields for the whole community."