AN 84-YEAR-OLD sports club is warning it will be forced to close at the end of the season because the council is refusing to give it the long lease it needs to raise much needed investment.

BTC Sports and Social Club in Southampton says it needs to upgrade facilities in Stoneham Lane to secure its future and attract more staff.

Club bosses say if they were given a long lease they could tap into hundreds of thousands of pounds of Football Foundation, lottery and other grants. They have already collected a 500-name petition to Southampton City Council.

But leisure bosses have so far refused to offer more than a five-year lease because the land has been earmarked for a possible park-and-ride scheme.

The club supports 19 football teams which would be left without a home.

In a statement Councillor Jeremy Moulton, the Cabinet member for resources, said: "The matter is currently under discussion by Cabinet and as yet no decision has been taken.

"The Cabinet is very happy to meet with the football club. We hope to do everything possible to support the club."