Return to park football could see the Hornets '˜dwindle and disappear'

Horsham have admitted they maybe forced to return to playing park football if plans for a new ground at Hop Oast aren't approved.
Horsham FC are groundsharing at Gorings Mead, Horsham. Pic Steve Robards SUS-150429-150943001Horsham FC are groundsharing at Gorings Mead, Horsham. Pic Steve Robards SUS-150429-150943001
Horsham FC are groundsharing at Gorings Mead, Horsham. Pic Steve Robards SUS-150429-150943001

Fears have been aired that the Ryman League South Division club which was founded in 1881 could ‘dwindle and disappear’ if Horsham District Council turn down their latest planning application.

With plans already refused at the Holbrook Club in 2008 and a previous application at Hop Oast failing in 2015, it is the last-chance saloon for the town’s highest ranked team.

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After the club served a notice of eviction to the Holbrook Club in June, the two parties have agreed a new deal this week for a new 25-year lease on the land.

But a Horsham FC statement added: “If permission is not granted for a new ground at land at Horsham Golf and Fitness (Hop Oast) for a new ground, it could mean the football club having to play at Holbrook at park football level, displacing teams and eventually seeing HFC dwindle and disappear.”

Chief executive John Lines added: “This would be a real ‘lose-lose’ situation for everyone whilst planning permission and the new lease will secure the Holbrook Club and Horsham FC for the long term.”

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