Workington Town Council is backing a junior football club in the town in its efforts to stay on its home pitch.
The council has agreed to go ahead with the proposed purchase of the Ranch ground at Moss Bay which would enable the Workington Juniors to continue playing there.
The club’s future had been in doubt with the possibility of the ground being sold by the owner for development, but he had agreed to sell to the council.
At a meeting last night – and lobbied beforehand by club officials and young players – the town council agreed in principle to buy the land as a community facility.
Supporters, with banners, stood outside and chanted “Save the Ranch” as councillors walked into the meeting.
They will instruct its finance and general purposes committee to progress arrangements subject to due diligence and independent valuation.
The owner is thought to be looking for £140,000 for the land.
The town council says it will initiate discussions with Allerdale Borough Council, Cumbria County Council, Cumberland FA and the Football Foundation to seek further support to enable Workington Juniors to have a sustainable future.
Workington Juniors chairman David Garrett said: “After months of work and continuous support to enable us to retain use of The Ranch it is very pleasing to confirm that last night we received the backing of Workington Town Council who will aim to conclude the purchase.
“They will act as our enabler for the developments. We have secured the future of the club and from the plans developing we have very exciting times ahead.
“This club – players, parents, coaches and our families – are at the heartbeat of our projects and embedded into the surrounding community.
“We will aim to deliver a fantastic facility. Many friendships within the various age groups, the enjoyment and the inclusion of being able to play football is secured and that is the foundation of our club.
“We are very pleased to be in this position and there is an individual who must be recognised. He has made every effort to support our cause working tirelessly in the background and supporting me on the strategy we needed.
“We as a club owe a massive thank-you to Keith Wareing. He’s been brilliant and without his advice and guidance we just could not have got there today. He will continue to support us in the background.”
