AFC Telford club papers released by council

The documents, some of which date back to 2014, include details of a £45,000 loan to AFC Telford from the proceeds of the sale of the Bucks Head pub provided to meet critical stadium safety checks.

However, the council has said it will appeal part of the Information Commissioner's decision "which relates to ongoing legal discussions relating to the lease for the stadium".

A statement from the council added: "As such, it is the council's view that this information should continue to be withheld under Sections 41 and 42 of the Freedom of Information Act."

The authority had originally refused to provide some of the requested information it held when a Freedom of Information request was made to the authority.

The documents were requested by former councillor Adrian Williams – a long-time critic of the council.

He claimed the documents he was sent under the Freedom of Information request were mostly blacked out.

Earlier this month, following a ruling by the Information Commissioner, the council was given 36 days to release the documents.

A statement from the club said it welcomed the release of the information as it would end speculation and rumour about the correspondence.

"AFC Telford fully respects that the council is operating under the Freedom of Information Act and it is a council decision what documents to release.

"Whilst in 2015 a number of these items were commercially sensitive, because they were under discussion and negotiation, the football club actually now welcomes the council releasing these documents, because it finally gives us the opportunity to comment on incorrect stories and speculation that has appeared in the press and on social media."

The club also rejected claims it had threatened to take legal action in an effort to prevent the release of the documents saying: "This is not the case, there was no threatened legal action, we wouldn't have had a case. We have a good relationship with the council and wouldn't have contemplated legal action."

Telford & Wrekin Council said: "What has been released includes information featuring historic email trails and confidential correspondence.

"The council's original decision to not release the relevant information was taken nearly 12 months ago.

"Much of this information was provided in confidence by AFC Telford United and was, at the time, commercially sensitive for the club."