Fans 'disappointed' over stadium decision delay

A new operator wants to take over at Badgers Hill Stadium

A decision over the future of a football club's ground has been delayed, leaving fans "disappointed".

Badgers Hill Stadium, which is home to Frome Town FC, was bought by Frome Town Council in 2022 after its previous owners got into financial difficulties.

An anonymous private operator, which wants to take over the running of the club from the Frome Town Community Benefit Society (CBS), has now offered to lease the ground from the council, with a view to buying it in the future.

But on Thursday the town council said the proposal did not "completely meet" legal criteria and delayed its decision on the deal. The BBC has contacted the club for comment.

"I'm extremely disappointed with the shambles that took place," said chairman of Frome Town Supporters Club, Lester Silk.

Mr Silk, who is also a director at the club, said fans are worried it "might not survive" without new management.

He said he had hoped the decision could have "saved" the club but claimed the delay meant they would not be able to prepare properly for next season.

The ground is owned by the council but is leased to the Frome Town CBS and used by Frome Town FC, Frome Town Women's and Frome United.

Ahead of the meeting, the council described the current arrangement as "not sustainable" and highlighted financial difficulties at the CBS.

"The CBS doesn't receive a rent from the football clubs and doesn't benefit from the revenue generated by football other than bar income on match days. But it has to cover the full cost of stadium and pitch maintenance and utility usage," the council explained.

"At the same time, the football club does not benefit from the revenue generated by the clubhouse."

Chairman of the CBS, Max Hirst, said "significant changes" had been made and its debt reduced "by 50%" since a new board took over five months ago.

"We do have a plan," he added. "Our plan is to reformat the organisation and make it even better."

However, an unknown private operator wants to take over both the club and the lease of the stadium.

It offered to pay the council £23,000 a year for a 23-year lease, with the option to purchase the ground at any point.

Town councillor Fiona Barrows said she "understands" how much the stadium means to people but said it is a "complicated" decision.

She explained the council must be confident there is enough benefit to the community to warrant a discounted on the rent, as well as safeguards in place to protect the council's interest.

"Having discussed it in detail, we don't believe either is the case with the proposal as it stands," she said.

The council asked the operator to amend its proposal and will discuss it again at a meeting in 12 days.

Mr Silk said the delay provided a "very sombre" finish to the evening.

"Supporters could not believe that we could not move forward on this," he added.

"It's detrimental for the football club because we cannot move forward for the new season."