A proposed football ground could be at risk of terrorist attack, residents opposed to the plan say.

Plans to convert a recreation ground off Waterside Drive into football pitches, to accommodate 240 youngsters who train with Walton Casuals Football Club have drawn the ire of residents who say the road is already inaccessible on match days.

They say the emergency services would be unable to access the road if more people were brought to the site.

Concerns were exacerbated after a local safety expert, who did not wish to be named, said 13 BP aviation fuel tanks were extremely susceptible to terrorist attacks.

The tanks and connecting pipes, he said, pump about five million gallons of fuel to Heathrow and Gatwick underground and run 24 hours a day.

The expert said if the tanks were targeted, the results would be catastrophic and cut off the airports’ fuel supply, although BP insisted security procedures were in place.

“We work very closely with the police and other services to ensure procedures are in place to keep them safe,” a BP spokesman said.

“They have been operating safely for many years. Access should be looked at and I’m sure it is.”

The planning application from Walton Casuals is currently under consideration.

Residents objecting to the proposal fear the extra traffic generated from the site would prevent quick access if there was an emergency.

One resident said: “When cars are parked along the narrow road there would be absolutely no chance of getting an emergency vehicle down that road.”

Walton firefighter Mark Vickers confirmed the area was assessed as a high risk site and said: “As with any high risk we would need access to the site. In the event of a real emergency we have the right to remove vehicles in the way.”

Surrey County Council said its emergency planning advisor would be consulted in regards to the application and would be consulted to ensure the safe management of the sensitive site is maintained.

A Surrey Police spokesman said: “Surrey Police is aware of and monitors a number of sensitive sites around the county in conjunction with partner agencies.

“Appropriate contingency plans are in place to deal with any emergency.

“While many of these locations are known to the public it is not in the interests of security to draw more attention to them than is absolutely necessary.”