GAZETTE & HERALD: CORSHAM Town Football Club has applied to the local council for a substantial cash grant. A hard standing pitch perimeter path and a 100 seat covered spectator stand must be built at the ground and will cost £30,000.

They have received funds for half of the total but still require £15,000 to pay for the improvements.

Corsham Town Council will invite a spokesman from the club to make a presentation at a future meeting and propose how much money they expect to get.

Chairman Colin Hudd said in a letter to the council: "Since the team gained promotion to the Western Football League Premier Division for season 2004/2005, competition rules require a number of ground improvements being carried out.

"These are mainly for the comfort of the spectators."

A grant aid funding application to the Football Foundation failed to achieve the team's anticipated 90 per cent financial support.

Mr Hudd said: A cost reduction can be achieved if our landlord permits a concrete pitch perimeter path as an alternative to green coloured tarmac.

"Our present seating arrangements are hired from Arena Seating at a cost of £265 per month.

"Unfortunately paying a £1,000 deposit and monthly hire fees since August has been a drain on our resources, which has contributed towards a financial shortfall.

"It would be greatly appreciated if Corsham Town Council could assist us to meet our required funding."

The grants sub-committee at Corsham Town Council will invite the club to discuss the project and then it will make a recommendation to the finance and general-purpose committee.