ILMINSTER Town are hoping their proposed switch to Britten’s Field will move a step nearer fruition when Ilminster Town Council next discuss the issue.

Plans for a possible new building and car park on the site have provoked considerable opposition, with 1,300 residents signing a petition against any such proposed developments.

But club secretary Andy Fish said this week: “For too many years now the club has needed good quality facilities that could be enjoyed by both the adult and youth teams. “This may be our last chance to provide a facility that is fit for purpose and the committee is doing all that they can to make our dream a reality.

“The chair of the football club, Darren Manley, has said how proud he is of the players both young and old whose commitment to the game has ensured that the club continues to thrive.

“It is the commitment of club members and players that drives the committee in pursuit of the dream. “A dream that will not only provide purpose built changing rooms and showers for players and referees, but will also include a kitchen, social room and a meeting room.”

Fish said a number of groups in the area have already expressed interest in using the clubhouse.

Jamie Lee, the Chairman of the Ilminster Town Youth FC, said: “From the youth teams’ perspective there is a desperate need for training facilities – it is the only way our young players will be able to progress into the senior sides in the future. “Ilminster is a fabulous community, which is growing all the time and as club we need to provide facilities that can cope with that growth.

Manley said: “We want to do something really positive for the town and for generations to come and to do that we need the community to us support in what we are trying to do.

“The main pitch at present will still be used by the football club with the 3rd and 4th teams, youth teams and ladies reserves at times all playing there.”