Councillors back Poole Town move

Poole Town are the current champions of the Wessex Premier League

The proposed relocation of a Dorset football club to a new ground has moved a step closer after a council committee backed the plan.

Poole Town FC plan to move from their current base at Tatnam to a new stadium at Branksome recreation ground.

A panel of councillors from the Borough of Poole council debated the plans and voted five to four in favour of the move to Branksome.

The council's cabinet will consider the proposal on 25 June.

The environment overview and scrutiny committee had been split four votes in favour and four against before the committee's chairman, councillor John Rampton, used his casting vote to support the move.

Cllr Rampton said: "Having listened to all arguments for and against, I am persuaded that the proposal is the best way forward for Branksome and for Poole.

"This scheme represents a wonderful opportunity to enhance Branksome Rec and provide improved facilities for the local community."

Poole Town were recently crowned champions of the Wessex League Premier Division but were denied promotion to the Southern League as the current facilities at Tatnam Park do not meet Football Association (FA) regulations.