I REFER to the letter from Mr Young (Have Your Say, Echo, January 3) and would thank him for his kind words about my previous footballing ability.

I am, and always have been, fully in favour of Poole Town FC building a new modern stadium in which they can hopefully attain football league status.

Even during the saga of Branksome Rec I compiled a detailed report on the planning precedents in, and on the edge of, the conurbation’s green belt (for example Hamworthy Rec, Canford Magna Golf Course and the driving range at Littledown) for Mr Reeves, the vice-chairman of the club, advising him that a site at Bearwood was the way forward.

Subsequently, of course, the council granted planning permission for a new stadium in just that location.

I am as disappointed as anyone else that the club has been unable to carry through with this permission beyond the training pitch and construct the new stadium at Bearwood.

The football club has always indicated to me in the past that the existing Poole Stadium is a non-starter for the future given the requirements for an international standard speedway circuit on the site.

I would, however, be delighted to facilitate and host a round-table discussion at the Civic Centre with the stadium lessees, Poole Pirates, Poole Town FC and the greyhounds to see if there is any way that the three organisations can co-exist in the future at the stadium site.

I will be in contact with all relevant parties to see if there is a solution acceptable to all.

CLLR PHILIP EADES, Mayor of Poole