COUNCILLORS have approved a decision to sell the freehold for the County Ground to Swindon Town Football Club and the Swindon Town Supporters’ Trust – if they can raise the £2.2m asking price.

The historic deal was first announced earlier this month, with the club and trust each stumping up half of the money.

The cabinet vote on Wednesday night means the County Ground could change hands later this year. However, opposition councillors will have a chance to probe cabinet’s vote at next Tuesday’s scrutiny committee meeting.

Reacting to the decision, Swindon Borough Council leader David Renard said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for the whole town, but particularly for the supporters of the football club and the members of the supporters trust.

“The ground is hopefully going to be transferred to them later in the year once the supporters’ trust has raised their half of the money in order to purchase it.

“After that, we’re looking forward to seeing the club and the trust working together to improve the ground.”

He suggested that the ground could be improved, with a new roof over Stratton Bank and better facilities, such as a conference centre.

Coun Gary Sumner, cabinet member for strategic planning, stressed that any future changes would be subject to the club and trust winning planning permission.

The site, originally part of the Goddard Estate, is subject to a covenant that requires it to be used for leisure or sports, meaning the land could not currently be used for housing.

Coun Brian Ford, cabinet member for adults and public health, said the move to hand the County Ground over to the club and fans “hit the mark”.

Supporters’ trust looks

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