MALVERN Town Football Club is looking at selling its Langland ground for housing and developing a new stadium for the future.

The club confirmed talks with Malvern Hills District Council and developers in a statement issued yesterday (Thursday).

Spokesman Richard Anson said the club wanted to dispel rumours and promote an open dialogue with the community and interested parties.

He said Malvern Town was looking to "provide long-term benefits to the club and to football in Malvern".

"The football club believe that a number of exciting possibilities could arise from a relocation, but stress that these discussions are only at an exploratory stage and we are nowhere near yet ready to announce an specific detail," said Mr Anson.

"We will make a further announcement once we know whether or not we are able to identify a site that is acceptable to Malvern Hills District Council, the local community and the to the football club and its members.

"Even then, the process will still be subject to the necessary planning permissions."

Mr Anson said he would not be drawn on any potential sites the club may have identified but added that the possibility of staying put and improving the Langland Stadium had not been ruled out, if a suitable alternative could not be found.

As a working brief, he said the club was looking at creating a ground to a standard acceptable to the Dr Marten's Western Division, which is two promotions away. For that the minimum capacity is 2,500, of which 250 must be seated.

The club owns the freehold on its current ground, although it is obliged to discuss any proposal to sell with the district council.

A council spokesman said: "Club officials have been told the council is very appreciative of this early approach and will assist the club where appropriate with particular regard to planning, community and recreational matters."

Langland district councillor Val Myatt urged the club to make every effort to consult with local people.