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Support for Basingstoke plans

Basingstoke Town Football Club's plans to move to a new purpose-built stadium west of the Hilton Hotel have been welcomed by almost two-thirds of the community who took part in the initial public consultation.

So far a total of 236 residents have submitted responses to the consultation, which has given the football club an opportunity to hear the views of the local community and develop its plans for a new ground based on the results.

Three exhibitions have been held over the course of the consultation period maximising the number of local residents who could meet with members of the project team to discuss in detail the plans for both the new ground and the redevelopment of the Camrose.

From those who filled out a questionnaire at the exhibitions or submitted their response by post or email, 64% said that they were broadly in favour of the proposed relocation while 31% were largely opposed, with 5% saying they were undecided.

Around 200 people turned out to the first two exhibitions held at the Camrose Stadium and St Mary's Church in Goat Lane, while hundreds more saw the plans when they went on display in Festival Place.

BTFC chairman Rafi Razzak said: "This process was all about listening to our local community - hearing the views of residents living nearby, the club's fans and the wider community too. I'm absolutely delighted by the overwhelming number of people who have taken the time to contribute as the feedback from the consultation will have a significant part to play as we develop the plans moving forward.

"The club is a proud and active member of the community, and that's why the relocation plans focus so heavily on providing facilities that will benefit Basingstoke as a whole including first-class sporting opportunities for youngsters.

"We've listened to all the concerns that have been raised and will reflect on what we've been told. We will then be in a position where we can have further dialogue with the council and discuss the best way forward for the town."

Click here for the official Basingstoke Town FC website.