Football club looks to a new home at Canford Arena

Poole Town Football Club spent £20,000 and countless hours over nearly two years on plans for a £1 million stadium on the rec, only for their hopes to be dashed when the application was refused by planners on Wednesday.

But the club is bouncing back with a new plan and informal discussions with arena bosses are already under way, with a meeting planned for next week.

Having led a nomadic existence since they were kicked out of Poole Stadium in 1994, Poole Town remains determined to find a permanent ground.

Chris Reeve, vice-chairman of the Dolphins, said they would be investigating the Canford Magna alternative as a matter of urgency.

He said: “The board of the football club will continue to persevere to secure an appropriate home so we can realise our full potential.

“I hope what we have achieved with our Branksome Rec proposal is showcasing what a fantastic club we are and the incredible potential we have. We will turn this to the club’s advantage.”

The site had already been discounted by the club last year over green belt planning issues, but Mr Reeves said he hoped the Branksome Rec saga had answered some of those – proving both the need for the facility and that there were no other suitable sites.

But he said he had remained positive about the club’s future: “Once we get proper facilities, then watch us soar.”

Branksome residents who so vehemently opposed Poole Town’s plans insist they will now press forward with overdue enhancements to their rec.

A new residents’ association will form from the ashes of the Branksome Rec Action Group and they will lead the way on improving the long-neglected open space.

The crumbling pavilion and changing rooms are likely to be a priority, while the multi-use games areas touted in the football club’s plans could yet materialise.

Vic Humphries, chairman elect of the residents’ association, said: “The hard work for us really starts now.”