Court battle club signs new lease

The future of a football club in Surrey has been secured for the next 15 years following a court battle over the state of its grounds and clubhouse.

Dorking FC has signed a new 15-year lease on its Meadowbank ground with Mole Valley District Council.

The council took the club to court earlier this year in an attempt to repossess the ground, in Mill Lane.

But a judge at Staines County Court said the club could stay, and gave the two sides three months to agree terms.

'Maintain ground'

The club said it was delighted with the new lease.

"We are committed to running a successful football club and have already commenced a schedule of improvements to maintain the ground to a high standard," said director Ray Collins in a statement.

The council and the club said they would work together to develop community projects such as promoting girls' football.

"This is excellent news for the council and Dorking FC and, more importantly, for the people of Mole Valley," said councillor David Sharland.

Dorking FC, who are in the Combined Counties League Premier Division, have played at Meadowbank since the 1950s.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version