ECO-friendly, suitable for families and at the heart of the community.

This is the vision set out this week for how Basingstoke Town Football Club will operate once it comes under new ownership, potentially as soon as this summer.

Basingstoke Town Community Football Club will take on the running of the institution, which will also see the club move from its historic base at the Camrose.

Community club chairman Terry Brown said: “We shall be running a very different, community-oriented club. One that is eco and family-friendly and is committed to seeing that its work benefits local people.

“This will require additional, valued volunteers and partnerships with the town’s businesses, local people and organisations.”

The community club is registered as a Community Benefit Society and so is legally committed to serve the broader interests of the community.

As reported by The Gazette last week, it is understood talks between current owner Rafi Razzak and the community club are advancing, which would mean the team could start the process of moving to its new home in Winklebury in time for next season.

But, this creates a number of hurdles for the club to jump over in quick time, including helping to fund the move and gaining planning permission to bring the Winklebury site up to standards.

For the move to be as disruption-free as possible, community club chiefs are rallying on the community and businesses to support them.

A public meeting is being held at the Camrose Clubhouse, in Western Way, from 7.15pm on Thursday, 25 April to find out more about the community club’s plans.

The club has consent to move in to the Hampshire FA complex in Winklebury, with the owners developing a 3G pitch and the club due to submit shortly a planning application for improvements to the site including building new terracing and stands.

Mr Brown said: “We are ambitiously targeting being at Winklebury for next season following discussions with the owner and his representatives about a transfer of ownership under strict national FA rules before the sale of the Camrose.

“I am passionate and determined about turning our dream into reality. Remember it is not just the first team but the education academy and our youth moving to Winklebury.”

To offer support, email Terry.Brown@btfc.co.uk.