We don't want Nottingham Forest to move, council leader says

The City Ground could have to relocate due to a row over rent with the City Council

The leader of Nottingham City Council says he does not want Nottingham Forest to move away from the City Ground.

It comes after the football club said it was considering scrapping stadium redevelopment plans and relocating due to a row with the council over rent.

The stadium is sited on land leased from the City Council and talks over an extension have stalled.

Council leader David Mellen says he wants the club to stay but a rent increase is "only fair".

Talks between the club and council stalled over the authority's demand the current £250,000 rent is increased to £1m.

Mr Mellen said: "We think the Trent Bridge area is the best place for the club to remain and we will work with them to achieve a settlement that allows that to happen."

He added the council - which has declared itself effectively bankrupt and announced a series of wide-ranging cuts - was willing to negotiate but could not give "mate's rates".

"That's not how we can act, particularly when we've got commissioners here who are checking our every move and making sure we get best value for the assets that we have," he said.

"We're not ready to give up talking or end negotiations and whether that's with the chairman or the owner, we'll do what is necessary."

The football club have said they are considering scrapping their stadium redevelopment plans

Forest chairman Tom Cartledge previously said unless there was "significant progress", the club might have to "look elsewhere".

Speaking to the BBC last week, Mr Cartledge said: "In the future, football clubs' wage bills are going to be very heavily linked to revenue.

"If we can't grow the revenue, there is a realistic chance we cannot achieve our objectives and grow the playing side and give the manager the resources he needs."

There have also been discussions about the club buying the freehold on a permanent basis.

Nottingham Forest have been contacted for further comment.