Frome Town Football Club says it remains confident a positive agreement can be reached with Frome Town Council over the future of Badgers Hill.
The council recently rejected two bids for the purchase or lease of the ground, including one from Badgers Hill Ltd – the company which operates the site in partnership with the club.
The council, which owns Badgers Hill, said neither applicant had provided sufficient proof of funds and that it would not be appropriate to take either bid forward at this stage.
In response, representatives of Badgers Hill Ltd expressed disappointment but said it was still looking to work constructively with the council to find a way forward.
After hearing about the Town Council’s rejection of its bid via a council Facebook post, Club Vice-Chair and Badgers Hill Director David Parry said, “We’ve got to draw a line under that and work with them to get what’s best for everybody.
“We’ve asked for a meeting and are hopeful we can sit down soon to iron out any issues. I’m confident we can reach a solution that’s good for the football club, good for the town and good for the local community.”
He said that tens of thousands of pounds had been invested in improving the site since last summer and that the future of the club is very bright, especially after a record-breaking season on the pitch which has seen the club promoted to the Southern League Premier South and reach final of the Somerset Premier Cup.
He said Badgers Hill Ltd, has submitted a “robust business plan” for the future of Badgers Hill and believes its proposals would secure the ground for both football and wider community use.
“As we prepare for life in the Southern League Premier South, we are continuing to work hard, alongside the community, to improve the Badgers Hill site further,” he added. “It’s been an amazing, record-breaking season and the future of the football club is really exciting. We want to find a solution and we’re confident any issues can be resolved.”
Leader and Chair of Frome Town Council, Fiona Barrows, said, “We remain committed to finding a positive and sustainable way forward and welcome further discussions with interested parties.”
