BOTH Darwen and Padiham have given a lukewarm response to ambitious new plans proposed by the North West Counties League.
In a bid to encourage more teams into the League, ideas suggested include splitting Division Two into north and south sections as well as relaxing ground restrictions for new clubs looking to make the step-up.
It has been suggested that clubs could receive a 12-month amnesty in order for them to receive funding to make the necessary stadium requirements.
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Darwen manager Wayne Watkins believes the amnesty is a good idea but believes clubs should still reach a minimum standard.
"I think, in principle, it is a good idea to reduce the ground grading standards," said the Anchor Ground boss. "But I believe that facilities for both players and supporters should reach a minimum standard.
"If clubs can prove they have a development plan in place or that they have planning permission to make improvements, then I see no harm in allowing them to have 12 months to get their ground up to scratch."
Watkins also welcomed the North/South split which he believes would cut down on travel expenses and possibly improve the standard of football.
He added: "Splitting the division in to North and South areas makes sense. There are always cost implications when you run a club at this level and travel expenses is one of them.
"Cutting down those costs can only be a good thing."
It was a similar response from Storks secretary Alan Smith, who backed the split, but was against any relaxation in stadium standards.
He said: "We've been driven by ground gradings ever since I've been involved in non league football and some of them are pretty high for the level we're playing at.
"That means, if clubs want to enter non league, then it's pretty difficult, but they must work to achieve the necessary standards.
"We've spent £400,000 in the last seven or eight years to bring our ground up to scratch."
It is understood an option of creating a Third Division, under the North West Counties umbrella, could also be considered, whereby the winners would only be promoted if their grounds are up to the required standard
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