BROMSGROVE Rovers are set for showdown talks with the council over a possible move from the Victoria Ground, their home since 1910.

The club, top of the Dr Martens Western, has long been linked with a move from the Birmingham Road site and is ready to discuss the situation with local authority chiefs.

Chairman Tom Herbert has written to Bromsgrove District Council following reports in the Advertiser/Messenger that the club could be re-located to land at Ashborough's Fruit Farm, in Old Burcot Lane.

Herbert broke the news to fans in his programme notes before the home game with Racing Club Warwick last Saturday, giving them the opportunity to read the letter in full.

But Herbert, instrumental in the club's revival of the last 12 months, knows Rovers is safe whatever happens.

He said: "The future of Bromsgrove Rovers is safe for the next seven years as the club is now in possession of a new seven-year lease.

"Having said that, we are concerned by the rumours and have written to the council for clarification as regards to the possibility of Bromsgrove Rovers moving, which may or may not be of advantage to Bromsgrove Rovers."

As things stand, the Victoria Ground is not up to Football Conference standard, Herbert's ultimate goal for Rovers, and would need heavy spending to bring it up to scratch.

Since the club was relegated from the Conference, six seasons ago, times have changed and ground standards have shifted.

To bring the Victoria Ground in line with regulations, the club would need new floodlights and toilet facilities - improvements costing thousands of pounds.

Herbert though has high respect for the council, who have stuck with the club since he took over as chairman on August 17 last year.

"They have leaned over backwards to help us and they have been simply superb," he added.

"They are backing the club 100 per cent."

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