New lease for football club which is 'pride' of town

A Surrey football club is set to be granted a 25-year lease on its ground after successive promotions cemented it as source of "genuine community pride".

Farnham Town Football Club enjoyed its third successive promotion last year, and it must now comply with criteria set out by the Football Association to be in the National League South.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the new lease set to be granted by Waverley Borough Council includes an area of land next to the club's Memorial Hall car park.

Councillor Mark Merryweather, executive member for finance, said it is a "real pleasure" to back a move of economic benefit which is also the source of "genuine community pride".

He said: "I do believe that Farnham and Waverley are fortunate to have in the club tenants and a team who are committed to making the most of this opportunity."

The value of the lease has been kept confidential but will need final rubber stamping by the West Surrey Shadow Authority, which has been established to prepare for the new West Surrey Council.

This required approval applies to any deals worth more than £1million.

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