Sports clubs tell of battle for survival (From Daily Echo)

Sports clubs tell of battle for survival

8:10am Sunday 26th October 2008 in

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THREE sports clubs in a Hampshire town are urging the Government to help them win the biggest off-the-pitch battle in their history.

One of the clubs will lose the chance of a new ground and the others will become homeless if major redevelopment plans are thrown out, a public inquiry was told.

Linden Homes Southern wants to build a replacement stadium for AFC Totton and nearly 200 houses in the town.

But the controversial scheme is facing fierce opposition from town councillors and other objectors who say the parish is desperately short of open space.

People attending the inquiry have been told that Hazel Blears, secretary of state for communities and local government, will make the final decision.

One of the teams that will benefit if the plans are approved is AFC Totton, which reached the final of the FA Vase two years ago.

AFC Totton trustee Paul Maidment told the inquiry that the club was struggling to ensure its existing ground in Testwood Park met modern standards. He warned that changing rooms and other facilities were nearing the end of their useful life. Mr Maidment added: “Linden is the only builder that’s been able to find a suitable location for a new ground. It will be designed to our own specifications and we hope to make it a centre of excellence for football.”

If the scheme goes ahead, AFC Totton will move to Little Testwood Farm, Calmore, and Testwood Park would be used for housing.

Totton and Eling Football Club, based at the former BAT sports ground in Southern Gardens, Totton, will also transfer to Calmore. Totton and Eling Cricket Club will remain at the ground but the rest of the site will be used for housing. BAT has warned that the facility will be closed and padlocked if the scheme is rejected.

Andy Tipp, representing the football club, told the inquiry: “We would be quite happy to move to Little Testwood Farm, which is currently derelict.

“The facilities on offer are better than what we’ve got now.”

Mike Vimpany, representing the Southern Electric Premier Cricket League, said the future of a major cricket club would be put at risk if the scheme were rejected.

He added: “If the ground is closed it wouldn’t be a good thing for cricket or football in the region.