Spalding United has 'positive' talks with South Holland District Council on stadium upgrades

Spalding United has held ‘positive’ talks regarding their hopes to update their stadium.

Tulips CEO Leigh Porter says the club left discussions with South Holland District Council feeling the future can be bright for the club, but would love to see momentum build quickly.

United are pushing for promotion from the Northern Premier League Midlands, but would need to update the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field to secure a possible move up to step three of the National League System.

“We had a really positive meeting with the council,” Mr Porter said.

“We were really honest with them about how we want to progress the club long term.

“They are familiar with our current situation and what we would like them to provide for us moving forward.”

The club and United Counties League Premier Division North Pinchbeck United rent The Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field from the council on a game-by-game basis.

But securing a lease would allow the Tulips to apply for grants to help update the stadium to the required standard.

The club also hope to make the ground a bustling hub for community groups, which could in turn create additional footfall in the town centre.

“There’s a lot to do but we want to do everything we can moving forward to make the place a better facility for more groups, and also help improve the area for the community,” added Mr Porter.

“They respect that if we are to move forward we need to develop the ground. But we need to progress at pace as there’s a lot happening.

“But they know we want to do something that can impact the club, the community and area as a whole.”