Diggers took up residence on the beloved football ground earlier this week as Rafi Razzak gave the go ahead for demolition work to begin.

There has since been an outpour of support for the Basingstoke Town Football Club who were evicted from its humble home of over 75 years before the start of the new season. 

With details over the football pitch still left rather murky, one of our reporters took to the streets of Basingstoke to see what the public think of the destruction of their beloved football ground.

19 year-old barista, Megan Barnfather, said that it’s the "removal of a historic monument" for the town and reflected on some of the highlights she had at the pitch.

She said: “I remember when the pitch hosted a charity football match a few years ago and we had all these famous celebrities playing in our little town, it’s such a shame that we’re not going to have matches like those anymore.”

Back in April 2015, YouTube sensation Joe Weller and actor Mo George were team captains for the celebrity match which raised over £3,000 for Street League with more than 1,200 people cheering on the players.

Basingstoke Gazette: The 23 year-old YouTuber was one of many celebrities taking part in the charity event in 2015. The 23 year-old YouTuber was one of many celebrities taking part in the charity event in 2015.

"It's a real shame" she added "the town as a whole are very passionate football fans and to remove it is taking away one of the few things that unites us."

Hospital porter, Peter Sally, lives right behind the football stadium and has confirmed that he will be moving house because of this. 

He said: "I've always been an avid fan of football and for them to tear it down and sell it for parts like a broken car is utterly heart breaking.”

Basingstoke Gazette: The grounds to the pitch have since been blocked to prevent public access to the grounds with a large concrete wall blocking the entrance. The grounds to the pitch have since been blocked to prevent public access to the grounds with a large concrete wall blocking the entrance. 

85 year-old Beryl Jocelyn told the Gazette said she was disappointed at the decision and “such a horrid sight to see”

She said:  "I think it's awful, they've built so many houses in the area of late I'm sure they could have found a better location for them other than our football club. 

Basingstoke Gazette: Beryl Jocelyn thinks there are too many new houses being built in the town and is disappointed to see the stadium go.Beryl Jocelyn thinks there are too many new houses being built in the town and is disappointed to see the stadium go.

Rafi Razzk, the owner of the Camrose Stadium, has promised to find the club a new permanent home once the planning permission has been granted for the £18.6 million development in Brighton Hill.

Football fan, Luke Chapman added: "I really wanted them to keep the pitch, there's so many memories there. I remember when I went when I was younger with my dad as many children have throughout the years I'm sure. 

"It's become part of a family tradition to go and watch our local football team play. I wanted to be able to so the same for my children when I have them but that's impossible now." 

The next match is set to take place at 3pm on February 8 between Basingstoke Town and Mangotsfield United.