PROPOSALS for a council to transfer the freehold of a football ground to the ambitious club which plays there have been paused.

Colne FC says the move is essential for their plans for a £1million stadium redevelopment at their Holt House base.

The new Conservative administration at Pendle Borough Council promised in its election manifesto to make the free transfer of ground ownership if they won power in May’s council elections.

But last week the authority’s Policy and Resources Committee agreed to delay the move to hold a public meeting with local residents in Vivary Bridge ward in Colne.

Council officials will make further enquiries about guarantees regarding the ground’s future while corporate director Philip Mousdale negotiates a detailed land transfer agreement with Colne FC.

A report will go to the committee in December on the outcome of the negotiations.

Now the club has a 99-year lease but chairman Ryan Haigh says investors need the security of full ownership.

The redevelopment scheme would see the current 1,300 spectator stadium off Birtwistle Avenue demolished and new ground with four new stands holding 5,000 built in its place. It would have an artificial pitch, bar area, function and changing rooms and a second grass pitch.

Pendle Council Labour group leader Cllr Mohammed Iqbal said: “This is a victory for common sense. There are many questions that still need to be answered such as what happens if the club folds or decides to move grounds.

“The decision to give away public land without any consultation has never made sense and many residents in the area were understandably upset.”

Cllr Tony Greaves, leader of the borough Liberal Democrat group, said: “This is a victory for common sense and my campaign to stop this transfer going ahead without proper consideration and consultation.”

Vivary Bridge ward’s Tory Councillor Joe Cooney said: “The transfer will go ahead.

“This is sensible consultation with residents although so far not one has come forward to complain to me about this plan.

“ A meeting for residents will be arranged to share the exciting plans. I just hope everyone can now get behind the club.”

Club spokesman Dave Priestley said: “We are happy with this as long as the transfer goes ahead.”