THE newly appointed president of Basingstoke Football Club, has called Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s decision not to enhance the town as ‘disappointing’. 

Alan Turvey, who has been heavily involved with football his whole life, said the borough council’s decision to withdraw the proposed plans for a new £10 million stadium is a missed opportunity to further develop a thriving town. 

Mr Turvery, from Old Basing was the only resident of 24 speakers to praise the plans to build the stadium on the Old Common, in Eastrop at the cabinet meeting on January 27. 

Former president of the Isthmian League, Mr Turvey has seen how a new stadium cannot only improve the fortunes of a team, but enhance the location of the ground. 

He said: “In my experience clubs who have had their grounds developed or new stadiums built, it has benefited everyone, and I truly believe a new stadium would have enhanced Basingstoke. 

“A lot of clubs are looking to improve and I have seen over the years towns improved when they have had new grounds built. 

“I was very disappointed by the council’s choice and to leave the club with no alternative is not ideal considering how co-operative the club had been throughout the whole process.” 

The club is currently awaiting written confirmation from the borough council of its decision before they decide what their next step will be.