NEWBURY TOWN Football Club's failure to sign a new lease on their ground could see it seized by West Berkshire Council and the land turned into new homes.

The Council have announced they will be seeking a court order for the Faraday Road pitch after the club's three year lease was not renewed by June 24.

In a statement released on Thursday, Councillor James Fredrickson, Executive Member for External Affairs, said the Council would take legal steps that could see the land used as a site for affordable housing.

He said: “This is land we need to deliver an exciting regeneration of the area. The scheme will bring new homes – including affordable housing – to the centre of town along with first-rate office accommodation.

“It’s an exciting prospect for the town and one which will help it stay competitive amongst people looking to work and live in Berkshire.”

Addressing the football club's decision to reject a new contact, Mr Fredrickson said: “It is with regret that we are seeking a court order but we have been left with no alternative after the club’s last minute u-turn over signing a lease.

“We offered a new agreement in good faith and after listening to the club’s pleas to stay on at the site. It’s bitterly disappointing that at the eleventh hour they have not only declined a new lease but introduced new legal barriers to the agreement proceeding.”