A CONTROVERSIAL plan to ‘sell’ the home of a Somerset football club has been approved.
Frome Town Council (FTC) owns Badgers Hill – the home ground of Frome Town Football Club.
Now, the council has agreed to lease the site to a private operator – with an ‘option to buy’.
The decision came after months of campaigning and deliberation over the plan, a previous form of which was rejected last month amid concerns over guarantees the facilities would remain available to the community in the future.
However on Wednesday evening (July 2), councillors backed the private bid, leasing the ground, with an option to buy for the market rate with community benefit.
After the vote Fiona Barrows, chair of FTC, said: “The decision to lease a valued community asset to a private operator, with an option to buy, is not one we would ever take lightly, and we haven’t.
“This has been a complicated process, with serious legal and financial implications. We know the decision has taken time, and that some would have liked it made more quickly. But due diligence is essential, and I genuinely believe we reached this outcome as fairly, transparently and responsibly as we could.
“We’ve heard from everyone involved, and we’ve listened. This has never been about taking sides. It’s always been about doing what is right for the town and our community — and that principle has guided us throughout.
“We look forward to working with the new operator and with Frome Town AFC to make this a success. We are finalising the heads of terms and entering this next phase in all good faith.
“This project has been marked by division, but we hope that can now be left behind. Badgers Hill has the potential to be a thriving, inclusive hub for sport and community and we want to see everyone come together to make that vision a reality.”
READ MORE: Lease and sale bid for Badgers Hill in Frome rejected – but door left open…
Fans of Frome Town have been divided on the matter, though many reacted with joy to the news.
“I wish to congratulate the council on a very open meeting conducted in a very professional manner,” said one. “The council stepped in to save the club in our hour of need for which everyone should be eternally grateful.”
Another said: “(It’s) been a tough five months but we got there in the end. Thanks for bailing the club out when it needed it, that won’t be forgotten, and massive thanks to those councillors that have been fully involved and understood what this means and backed this from minute one.”
And the council’s handling of the passionate meeting where the decision was made was also praised, with one person saying: “Thank you to the Council saving the club (twice) now.
“I think everyone that was at both meetings agreed last night’s was absolutely fantastic.
“The room was laid out much better; clear information; good informative discussion and staying public was great and was a good education piece from the room to see exactly what goes into the process and the voting side of it.”
A statement posted online by Badgers Hill Ltd, a subsidiary of FTFC Ltd and the company behind the bid, said: “Thank you, Frome. We’re full of gratitude that the lease for Badgers Hill has officially been approved.
“This moment belongs to you. To everyone who wrote in, showed up, shared a kind word, or simply hoped with us – thank you. Your voices, your belief, your love for this town made all the difference.
“A special and sincere thank you to Frome Town Council – for listening, engaging, and backing a future where Badgers Hill remains a place for everyone. Your support means the world.
“This isn’t just a lease. It’s a chance to build something beautiful together – a home for football, for friendship, for the future. A place that truly belongs to the people of Frome.
“We promise to honour this moment. To care for this ground. To make you proud.
“From the bottom of our hearts – thank you, Frome. Let’s make something wonderful, together.”
The club has since announced several appointments to the organisation which will now oversee the club – and Badgers Hill.
Courtney Fong is the new incoming chair of the club. Picture: Frome Town FC
Courtney Fong has been appointed chair of Frome Town FC, subject to FA approval, bringing what the club called “a strong background in leadership and community development” to the role.
Meanwhile Derek Graham, who served as chair for many years, will take on the role of chair emeritus “for his dedication, leadership, and tireless commitment to Frome Town FC”.
Incoming chair Mr Fong said: “This is more than a change in ownership – it’s a fresh start built on the passion and pride of our supporters and community.
“We’re committed to making Frome Town FC a club that thrives on and off the pitch, with a home that’s open and welcoming to all.”
It seems like the club and associated clubhouse is deliberately being run down (no entertainment, events, bingo etc) to I guess, sell for building houses on – probably with the promise of a new ground elsewhere (which then won’t happen!!)
I was always told the land, and field next to it were left in someone’s will with the proviso that it was for the people of Frome and was never to be built upon but seems like they may have somehow got around this 🥺