EVESHAM United Football Club has overcome a major hurdle in its efforts to relocate to a new ground.

Highways Agency chiefs have approved plans for redeveloping a roundabout at the top of Cheltenham Road - a measure crucial to the progress of the relocation scheme, which could cost more than £1million.

Wychavon District Council's head of planning, Jack Hegarty, confirmed yesterday (Wednesday) that the Highways Agency had no objections to the roundabout's reconstruction.

It has also been revealed that the club's current home at Common Road will be offered for sale, with tenders being invited from major national developers, within the next two weeks.

The club believes it has to move grounds to ensure its long-term viability but its proposed new site at Cheltenham Road has sparked protests from nearby residents.

"The highways authority has raised no objection to the football club's proposals and there will be a newly constructed and improved roundabout as part of the planning application," said Mr Hegarty.

Jim Powell, the football club's consultant, welcomed the Highways Agency's decision, saying an obligatory archaeological dig on the proposed new site could commence as early as next week.

"We're going to go ahead with the first stage, subject to the agreement of the owners, which involves an initial archaeological dig, immediately followed by the seeding of the grass, which we need to do this year, for a 12-month growth," he explained.

"The existing ground has been offered for sale and, on September 12, we shall be opening tenders for major national building companies that have shown great interest in the site," he added.

The soccer club's proposals for the Cheltenham Road site include a small stadium with a main pitch plus two for practice and training, floodlights, a clubhouse and adequate parking facilities for home and visiting supporters.

Objectors to the scheme have cited potential noise generation, intrusive floodlighting and increased traffic as reasons for the scheme to be rejected.

The football club's chairman, Jim Cockerton, said he was "relieved" at the Highways Agency decision, describing it as a "technical hold-up".