Lampeter rugby club shares the pitch with the town's football team

Ceredigion Council said a number of retailers were interested in building a store in Lampeter which would bring "substantial benefits" to the town.

It has already held talks with both sports clubs about possible relocation.

But one objector said the council had "no moral right" to sell the Memorial Field, which was named after those who fought and died in World War II.

Former town mayor Noel Davies said the field was bought by the old Lampeter borough council and named in memory of those who died in the war.

It is currently leased to the rugby and football clubs.

No planning application has yet been submitted.

But Mr Davies has started a campaign designed to fight the council's plans and has printed leaflets and launched a petition.

I am absolutely livid about this Objector Noel Davies

"I am absolutely livid about this," said Mr Davies, who served in the Royal Navy for 15 years and saw service in Korea, Suez and Malayia.

"This land was designated as a playing field for all time and now the county council has the audacity to consider plans to get rid of it.

"The council has no moral right to sell this field. I've spoken to a lot of people about this and not one person says I'm wrong."

A spokeswoman for Ceredigion Council said leading supermarket retailers were interested in building a store.

"The county council believes that there may be an opportunity for Lampeter to gain substantial benefits from the capital released by a disposal of these fields," said the spokeswoman.

The rugby club said it was interested in improving its facilities

"Discussions were held with both clubs and they have confirmed their interest in the possible relocation to improved facilities on land available in Llanwnnen Road."

Public consultation

Lampeter rugby club, which has two senior teams, a youth squad and eight junior sides, said Ceredigion Council had approached officials.

"We're always interested in improving our facilities and we need more pitches because we have a lot of teams," said secretary Selwyn Walters.

"We have not dismissed what the council is suggesting out of hand."

Council officials have also discussed the plans with Lampeter Town Council.

The town's deputy mayor Christopher Thomas, said a public consultation process would take place before any decision was made about the future of Memorial Field.