RINGWOOD Town Football Club have partnered with the local council and AFC Bournemouth to redevelop the facilities at their Long Lane ground, in plans described as a “clear win” for the town.

AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust and Ringwood Town Council has provided “significant investment” into the re-development of Long Lane, also known as the Macra Community Stadium.

The site will continue to be the home of Ringwood Town FC and will enable staff and players associated with the Cherries’ Community Sports Trust to be based on site. Several community programmes will also be held at the ground.

To help bring the project to life, the three organisations are being supported by New Forest District Council, the Football Foundation and Hampshire County FA.

An application for planning permission will be submitted soon.

Phased development will see the implementing of a new full size 3G artificial turf pitch (ATP), improvements to existing grass pitches, redeveloping the car park and a new pavilion with changing rooms.

Phil King, Ringwood Town FC chairman, said: “I am thrilled. This is such an important milestone. We are working so closely with AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust, Ringwood Town Council, NFDC and the Football Foundation to deliver financially sustainable facilities fit for the modern age, that the club and people of Ringwood can be proud of.

“We’ll have the opportunity to fulfil our aspirations of providing football to all and developing players - whether you’re six years old or 60. We have an existing arrangement with AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust that is fantastic, with many of our youngsters able to experience their coaching expertise and improve their own skills.

“This partnership will help take it to a whole new level.”

Tony Ring, mayor of Ringwood, said: “The Town Council and Ringwood Town FC have long cherished an ambition to improve the football facilities in the town. I am delighted that a way has now been found to secure these and that there will soon be capacity for more teams and a greater diversity of provision.

“This is a complicated project involving numerous organisations working together to a common end, but I am convinced that the result will be a clear win for the people of Ringwood.”