Bridgnorth Rugby Club wants to buy land for new clubhouse and car park

The club has approached the town council to see if it will sell land near to Severn Park.

The land, which is about an acre and a half, would give the club a chance to grow after it has "outgrown" its current facilities, it said.

The proposal is set to be discussed by Bridgnorth Town Council at its next meeting on Tuesday.

Karen Sawbridge, the club's chairman, said: "Although we are so very proud of our club holding the coveted position of being the largest community-based sports club in Shropshire in terms of playing numbers, this does bring along its own challenges.

"The includes the fact that we have outgrown our existing facilities, which do not comply with RFU recommendations in terms of volume of showers and so on. We are only eligible to apply for grant funding from the Lottery and the RFU to build a new clubhouse if the club owns the land where the proposed new clubhouse is to be erected. Hence, our approach to the town council.”

Lee Jakeman, town clerk of Bridgnorth Town Council, said: "I can confirm that we have been approached by Bridgnorth Rugby Club, who wish to purchase a piece of land that the council owns off Bandon Lane.

"The council will meet soon to discuss the proposal. However, town councillors are aware of their responsibility to obtain best value for the tax payer and the need to measure any community benefit that might arise from such a transaction.

"The land does have some restrictive covenants on it that limit its future development. We understand the intention is to build some form of clubhouse facility and provide additional parking. Councillors are mindful that part of the area concerned is home to the Trevithick memorial and that piece of land would probably need to be retained by the council to ensure its future maintenance."

Members of the public will have the chance to comment on the sale before the meeting next week.

"Before making any decision on the merits of proceeding with the sale, councillors have asked that the public have an opportunity to comment on whether the idea of considering selling the land to the rugby club has some merit, whether the piece of land is fine as it is or indeed, whether there is a better as yet ‘un-thought of’ use for it," Mr Jakeman said.

Anybody who would like to have their say on the plans should get in touch with their local councillor or email the town clerk on townclerk@bridgnorthtowncouncil.gov.uk