The outdated plan to eventually expand Southwood Road Recreation Ground by TWBC by utilising farmland owned by David Rusbridge and his family to create yet more ‘useless’ grass football pitches has been approved.

In the mist of the news coming from the Town Hall this afternoon, our chairman and landowner has thanked our supporters and the wider Rusthall community for their incredible support over the last few weeks:

“Thank you to all those that supported my family throughout this process, as I said at the start I wasn't hopeful of a refusal but we have achieved many positives along the way, perhaps now TWBC will engage with the community properly regarding necessary facilities and not continue with this outdated sports hub idea.”

The planning council, in which some of the members live nowhere near Rusthall, voted 7 for, 2 against along with 2 choosing to abstain from a vote.

Dave continued, “My door is always open for sensible discussions about what is really needed for our wonderful Rusthall community.”

As many of you know, this outdated plan was granted permission a number of years ago and although it is an intrusive act towards the landowner to happen once again, we are some way from a compulsory order ever being issued.

The position of the football club will remain the same, we will stand by the Rusbridge family.