EX-England Rugby Union international Jamie Salmon has lambasted opponents of Farnham Rugby Football Club's (FRFC) proposed move to Monkton Lane. The club that spawned World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson is desperate to relocate from its Wrecclesham site, due to muddy, uneven pitches and a dilapidated club house. "I just find it staggering that people aren't more pro-active and welcoming to a club that is obviously moving forward and that wants to benefit not just its senior sides, but the junior ones as well," said Mr Salmon, who lives at South Warnborough. "This presents a golden opportunity for young kids in and around the Farnham area to witness a magnificent facility, and that should be the overriding ambition of those involved in the decision-making process," continued the veteran of the 1987 Rugby World Cup. "It does my head in that people seem to be so scared about this development. And I have to ask if Waverley Borough Council was pro- active and involved in looking at other sites?" he continued. "This development can benefit everyone in the community; boys and girls and all shapes and sizes. It represents an opportunity for kids to run around and get regular exercise, and it will encourage future generations to play rugby." It is now three years since FRFC launched a bid to relocate to the Monkton Lane site, but the withdrawal of David Lloyd Leisure 18 months ago scuppered the proposal. A joint bid with Stax Leisure Limited ensued, with four rugby pitches and a clubhouse included in the blueprints for the new Amida Club site. "People have got to remember that the club was only formed 30 years ago, so in rugby terms it is incredibly young. Most clubs were established over 75 years ago and were given the chance to buy their own land. FRFC hasn't had the option to go out and buy three or four acres of land in what is one of the most expensive counties. "Therefore, they have to embark on a joint venture. They are there to benefit those in the community and also to benefit many of the schools in the area," said Mr Salmon, a member of FRFC, who was quick to praise his associates. "What the committee and members have achieved in Farnham is quite extraordinary. "But there comes a time when enough is enough and when plans are submitted early next year, one hopes that it is marked as a priority application by the powers that be. "You can no longer play on a mud heap and a slope and with a decrepit clubhouse - you can't encourage people with facilities like that. "The current facilities are so embarrassing that it beggars belief anybody wants to join." And Mr Salmon had a warning for local residents who may oppose the proposals for the site, which lies between the Aldershot and Farnham strategic gap. "It may be considered as a strategic gap, but if I was living in that neck of the woods I would much prefer a rugby club there. In a few years, the strategic gap will be long forgotten about, and as sure as eggs are eggs there will be houses there," he said.