The rain-soaked home of Pontypridd Rugby Club

A shopping complex is planned for the valleys site which is one of the best-known addresses in the game.

A new 3,000-seater stadium, funded from the sale of the prime site near the town centre, is being mooted.

The local council has not yet had a planning application but developers say they will submit one shortly.

The announcement follows negotiations between Ponty Rugby Limited and developers Morbaine Ltd.

The club said Sardis Road base had become a financial burden, and it would only deteriorate as the infrastructure gets older. Ponty said a move would fund first-class hospitality and a modern clubhouse.

The ground has been Pontypridd Rugby Club's base for only 30 years, and only its latest home in a 129-year history.

But the tie between the name Sardis Road and the club is a strong one, according to many in the town.

"They shouldn't sell it, it's a tradition - being at Sardis Road, everyone knows it as the House of Pain," said Howard Digweed.

Tudor Morgan, from Maesycoed, said the club had always been in the Pontypridd area.

"I'm not that fussed on the idea, I think it's essential that it should be near the town centre," he said.

"It would be good to have new facilities but I feel it should stay where it is," he added.

Ponty's stand and clubhouse are looking their age

Maria O'Brien, from Quaker's Yard, said: "It's right where it is, we have got enough shops. It should be done up and have a face-lift."

Another shopper, 19-year-old Rhian Rees, was proud of her family's links with the ground, and her brother Philip played there as a youngster.

"I think it should stay there, my brother used to play for Ponty and it seems wrong that they should move it."

Pensioner Phyllis Green, of Hopkinstown, remembers walking from her home with husband to watch Ponty play.

"It's a shame, it's been there for many years. When my husband was alive we used to walk over the field on Saturdays and they used to play cricket there."

But retailer Dennis Morgan, of Pontypridd Embroiderers, was more pragmatic.

"If it's for the good of the club, then fair enough.

"I can remember when they were playing elsewhere, they used to be at the beginning of Ponty park - as long as it's in Pontypridd."

Gareth Davies, of Rhondda, said if the financial benefits of a move would help the club, then it should be considered.