Soccer boss in boot sale row

Mr Reynolds says he will fight any legal action

A football club could be banned from hosting car boot sales at its ground.

Council lawyers want a court injunction to prevent weekly car boot sales from being held at the Reynolds Arena - home to Darlington Football Club.

Darlington council claims the event breaches planning regulations and the town's market charter.

But outspoken club chairman George Reynolds says he will defy the council and claims it is a legitimate way for the club to attract revenue.

The first event is scheduled for 28 September.

No interference

A council spokesman said: "Because we are a market town there is a charter which sets out certain things.

"Because it breaches this we will be seeking an injunction to stop it.

"Hopefully, we can get it through the courts quickly enough to stop this weekend's event."

But the chairman of the Third Division club described the council's attitude as "a shambles".

Mr Reynolds called for residents and traders to be allowed to vote on whether the sales should take place.

He said: "It doesn't interfere with their market because they have theirs on a Saturday. Our car boot sale will be on a Sunday.

"If they want to take it to court they are entitled to do so."