A HEADTEACHER and the boss of the hotel that is next to Basingstoke Town FC’s proposed stadium have both welcomed the club’s plans.

Julia Mortimore, headteacher at Costello Technology College, said she is in discussions with club chairman Rafi Razzak over sharing parking facilities that could give more options to parents when picking up and dropping off their children – a problem issue that was highlighted in last Thursday’s Gazette.

The school, in Crossborough Hill, backs on to the club’s proposed new home on land next to the Hilton Basingstoke hotel.

Part of the new stadium project would involve £500,000-worth of all-weather training facilities being created at another location, for community use – and Costello is one of the possible locations.

Mrs Mortimore (pictured) said: “We are pleased to see the plans in that there is the potential for us to work with the football club for improved sports facilities in the area, which we believe will be beneficial for the college and our community.

“There is also the opportunity to use some shared parking facilities, which will help at peak times on the roads around the college.

“That means we have an opportunity to actually improve parking at the college.”

Mrs Mortimore added: “I know a lot of people are talking about the possible congestion, but we see it as a reduction. It will potentially give a new car park for parents to use at pick up and drop off times. This would work both ways and allow the club to use one or maybe two of our car parks to help with match-day parking.”

Ian Pollock, manager at the Hilton Basingstoke, said: “As a leading full-service hotel in the town, we welcome the development and enhancement of attractions and sporting venues in Basingstoke.

“We believe the proposed new stadium will enhance the town’s offering and therefore increase visitor numbers in the area – benefiting the local economy.

He added: “We will watch with interest as the plans progress.”