POOLE Town have scotched rumours Canford Arena was their preferred choice of new home, ahead of Branksome Rec.
The non-league club recently announced £1m plans to redevelop Branksome, with a new ground built alongside upgraded pitches and a refurbished pavilion.
Furious protesters have begun circulating petitions against the plans, with some suggesting the out-of-town site at Canford was the club's first choice.
But Dolphins vice-chairman Chris Reeves said although there had been talks about the possibility of using the arena in the past, Canford had not been considered as an option for the current move.
He said: "In the past we have had discussions with regard to moving there but planning issues, particularly green belt issues, made it a most unlikely venue."
Poole and Bournemouth councils jointly own the freehold of the land and lease the sports facilities at the arena to Canford Park Sports Ltd.
advertisement
“In the past we have had discussions with regard to moving there but planning issues, particularly green belt issues, made it a most unlikely venue.”
Vice-chairman Chris Reeves
Poole Town first floated the idea of using the arena several years ago but a planning application could not be agreed for building on the site.
"We did revisit the idea about a year or so ago, but the green belt issues remained," said Mr Reeves.
"It is not true Canford is our preferred option."
Cllr Peter Adams, portfolio holder for leisure and culture, said the club would benefit from a more central location.
He said: "Branksome is central and where the supporters are.
"Canford Magna is half a mile from anywhere and nearer Wimborne."
Branksome residents who oppose Poole Town's plans for the rec are worried about issues such as parking, a loss of open space, noise and light pollution.
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
Print
Email this
