PLANNING permission for floodlights and a new stand with 100 seats is being sought to enable Worcester Raiders to progress to the next level.

The Claines Lane headquarters, leased to and managed by Worcestershire FA, would need the upgrades in order to stage matches above West Midlands (Regional) League Division One – the seventh level of non-league football.

Chairman Kevin Jenkins is hopeful over gaining the green light for a project that will not only allow Raiders, formed as a youth club in 2001 before stepping up to adult football in 2009, to go up but also compete in the FA Vase should they wish to.

“I know the planning application was welcomed by the neighbours,” said Jenkins.

“It is a new type of floodlight with a lower bleed on them so they don’t affect local houses or the road that goes past. The pylons will be green in colour as well so they won’t affect the landscape.

“The club is eight years old and we are trying to progress as best we can. This could be massive for us and massive for the city.”

County FA chief executive Nichola Trigg confirmed residents had been consulted with the planning process now under way for a site that is home to nine different teams, including two from the women’s game.

“There is a number of clubs that play on there and a limited number of facilities with floodlights in Worcestershire,” said Trigg.

“The potential for Raiders to gain promotion is an enabler for the application. The facility is not exclusively for Raiders but it will enable them to accept promotion should they get it.

“We support any facility that enhances football in the area. We take nothing for granted but we hope planning permission will be forthcoming.

“At that point we will be seeking formal grant applications and funding to put in place what is required."

On the pitch, Raiders got back on track courtesy of a 3-0 win over Tipton Town on Saturday.

Striker Mark Danks, dual registered with Worcester City, bagged a brace on his debut either side of Luke Molloy’s sumptuous volley to leave joint-boss Karl Gormley purring about his new recruit.

“Danksy made a huge difference, he gave everyone a lift including the management,” said Gormley.

“He has played at a much higher standard so maybe the lads were trying to prove a point. I think his presence gave everyone that bit of extra belief.

“We had tried everything but could not score goals until he was up there but Luke’s goal was brilliant and probably the best of the three, a volley from outside the box after he had brought it up on his knee.”

The result moved Raiders up to seventh and to within 11 points of the top two with at least one game in hand on each of the teams above them.

“There are still a lot of games to play, no team is going out and battering everyone so we are still aiming for promotion,” added Gormley.