Football club venue gets go-ahead

Arnold Town football club has finally got permission to move to a new ground beside the A614.

The scheme had been referred to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, with a public inquiry, because the development is in the Green Belt.

The club was ejected from its former grounds on the King George V playing fields when then Charity Commission decided they should be for the public.

There had been fears the club would fold if the new facility was refused.

'Fantastic decision'

The complex will include 11 pitches, a club house and offices on the 22-acre site.

The area's MP, Vernon Coaker, who helped lobby for the new sports complex believes the Eagles and the rest of Arnold will reap the benefits.

He said: "It offers a fantastic expansion of that facility, a lot of new opportunities for football in Arnold and for sport in general.

"I think it is a fantastic decision and a wonderful opportunity for the community, a victory for the community."