Latest from Alton Town ('Move to new ground now a possibility')

[Mewcenary]

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Chairman's Update – 16.09.13

 

We are delighted at the level of support from far and wide - with over 4000 signatures from our online and offline petition. In particular we are encouraged by the consistency of message stressing the heritage of the club and its valuable place in the community.

 

Alton Town Council, The FA, Hants FA and Sport England have worked with those involved to achieve an outcome that avoids the complete loss of ATFC and to ensure that ATFC continues to participate at step five of the football pyramid, currently the Combined Counties League Premier Division.

 

Molson Coors have now agreed to a solution that would see them finance the upgrading of the Anstey Park Stadium to Combined Counties League standards (the Town Council are the landlords). This would include up-to-date floodlights and the provision of a 3G artificial grass pitch (approved for match play by the FA). Such improvements would enable Alton United Youth (the current leaseholders) and Alton Town to come together as one larger club and thereby all benefit from these improved facilities.

 

In the meantime we are working with Alton United Youth to produce a business plan and a process of coming together that would be sustainable into the future.

The re-provision of our football club to Anstey Park (along with a new home for the Bowls club who share our site) is now dependent on Molson Coors or their agents obtaining a favourable planning outcome for the redevelopment of their Sports Ground that is currently our home. They are now in the process of formulating a strategy and timetable for this next stage.

 

Coors have now confirmed that it is their intention to allow Alton Town FC (and the Bowls club) to remain where they are until the new facilities are completed, assuming a favourable planning outcome remains achievable and supported by all parties involved.

 

Sincere thanks to everyone who has supported us in whatever form – we are most grateful. A solution is now on the horizon which in itself will be looking for your support.