A council motion could see Swindon stay at the County Ground

One of the town's borough councillors and the Swindon Town Supporters Trust are examining ways of developing the current County Ground site.

The plan would see the adjoining running track and cricket ground moved elsewhere in the town.

Councillor Justin Tomlinson said he was trying to get all the people who could make this happen round the table.

"The football club will then have to decide what is needed to be developed at the ground to make the numbers stack up," he added.

Local protests

"Then the council and the other partners involved can decide if that is practical.

"If that is the case then the club can go away and make some plans and push those forward."

Swindon's previous plans for a new stadium at Shaw Forest fell through after sustained protests from residents.

That left the club without any proposed sites to move to, and the prospect of staying at the County Ground site.

Tony Norris, from the supporters' club, said that the club at least part-owning the site was essential if the club was to survive.

"Swindon, at the moment, is not a great proposition for developers," he said.

"But, if you have got something that produces revenue streams, and is actually owned by the club, or is in a joint venture with the council, that money does come in to these types of developments."

Swindon's acting chief executive Bob Holt said the development was down to people power, and that a petition organised by the supporters' club had stirred Mr Tomlinson's support.

He added that the club now had to work out if the plan was feasible.

"We are all traditionalists, and in our hearts we would all like to stay at the County Ground.

'Enthused by intiative'

"Whether it suits our heads and our wallets is a different matter."

Mr Holt added that Swindon had yet to examine if the plan would work.

"I have spoken to our partners, St Modwen, and we are enthused by the council's initiative, shall we say.

"We believe any proposal that secures the future of the club warrants further investigation."

The motion will be heard at Swindon Borough Council's next meeting on 18 November.