BASINGSTOKE Town's new stadium plans will need significant outside investment to become fruitful, according to a senior borough councillor. 

Cabinet member and sports portfolio holder Kerry Morrow spoke at a Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council meeting on Thursday, October 19.

The future of Basingstoke Town Community Football Club and its quest for a new stadium took centre stage during the meeting, where former sports portfolio holder, Cllr Jenny Vaux, expressed her support for the club's aspirations and sought assurances about its promotion prospects and stadium requirements.

Cllr Vaux expressed her concern regarding the potential "league-locking" of the club if they secure promotion to the National League South.

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She asked: "What actions are the council taking to ensure Basingstoke Town club will not be league-locked should the club be rewarded with league promotion again this season?"

In response, Cllr Morrow acknowledged the club's progress and the need for support.

"I'm fully on board with Basingstoke having a football club playing at the highest level possible, and I'm willing to work hard to make progress wherever possible.

"No one wants to see the club league-locked. Currently, improvements are being made at Winklebury to ensure they can remain at their current level. Should the club gain promotion for next season, there are short-term options that the club could work on with our support and FA dispensation, while they work on longer-term solutions.

"The council will be working in partnerships with Hampshire FA and Basingstoke Town collaboratively, looking at how the club can grow in a sustainable way.

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"We were really pleased to meet with the club who presented their business plan. It was good to see the progress in taking responsibility for their future. However, as they all are aware their plans will require a significant outside investment. The cabinet remains committed to exploring options to secure the long-term future of the club. We will continue to meet with the club to help find the best possible outcome for them."

Cllr Vaux then asked if the proposed football stadium might impact the delivery of the new aquadrome. Cllr Morrow provided a succinct response, saying, "no".