CAMROSE protesters gathered outside the stadium as a Government inspector visited the ground before he starts the decision-making process and the fate of the ground is revealed.

Last week Government inspector Dominic Young heard evidence to determine what will happen to the beloved stadium and a decision on the future of the Camrose is drawing ever closer.

Rafi Razzak, the former owner and chairman of the Basingstoke Town Football Club, is appealing against the borough council’s decision to reject two different proposals to demolish the Camrose and build 85 dwellings and a 70-bedroom care home and six new dwellings. The Camrose was the home of the club for more than 70 years until it was evicted by Mr Razzak in 2016.

The club currently plays at the Winklebury Football Complex.

SEE MORE: The Camrose stadium is 'an old friend' that would be dearly 'missed' the final day of the appeal hearing heard

David Graham was just one of the protesters at the stadium on Monday, as the visit was carried out.

He said: “There was a group of around 20 to 25 of us to meet him and a few save the Camrose banners displayed.

"A few other banners were displayed from the Mansfield Road resident's windows which he pointed to.”

READ MORE: 'It is morally wrong': Approval of rise in  pay allowance for senior councillors raises huge concerns as cost of living increases

It is believed he carried out a site inspection at the Winklebury complex later that afternoon.

There is now a period of deliberation before the inspector comes to a final decision.

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