A campaign group fighting to bring Hatfield Town Football Club home with a new stadium have called on the sports minister's for support.
The Hatfield Football Community Group has called on Stuart Andrew MP to back their efforts overturn Hatfield Town Council’s decision to install a plastic 3G pitch on Birchwood Playing Field, as part of a £1 million investment.
"The campaign group are hoping for the sports minister’s support to install a much-needed football ground of modest size to enable structure and progress for multiple teams," said a spokesman for the group.
"Hatfield does not need yet another pay and play plastic 3G pitch that the majority of the local football community are against, and which does not benefit local fans."
A new stadium would be an historic moment for Hatfield Town FC, who have not played on their own ground in the town for nearly 40 years.
In 1984, the club folded due to lack of finances and a committee to run the team, before reforming in 1989.
Hatfield Town has previously played games at Birchwood, but have been forced out of the town in recent years, playing at nearby grounds in Welwyn Garden City and Hertford.
READ MORE: Campaign group opposes £1 million Hatfield pitch plans
"We point out that local football is stagnating, as we do not have a community flagship facility that could be shared by multiple local clubs and serve our significant number of football supporters," the statement continues.
"Can there be another town of our size in the country without a football ground?
"We want to overturn the decision. The funding belongs to Hatfield and the views of the football community should be taken into account not just dismissed."
The campaign group also claimed that Hertfordshire FA have been "tasked with recommending grants to install 3G pitches".
In a short statement, Steve Maker, head of football development and investment at Hertfordshire FA, said: "We are committed to promoting and supporting grassroot football in the area and we are delighted to be working with Hatfield Town Council to meet the strategic need for football participation, by supporting the proposal to upgrade the community facilities at Birchwood."
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