NEWENT Rugby Club is seeking talks with the district council over a possible move to a new ground.

Home to the flourishing Gloucestershire Division Two club is currently their town council-owned base in Watery Lane.

However, a new recreation ground off Onslow Road – due to be provided by Robert Hitchins Ltd as part of an agreement for a recent development – could provide them with what they have always wanted, their own home.

Newent Rugby Club's Shane Malone said: "We currently have no clubhouse and no pitch of our own.

"We have been trying to buy land or get land donated to the club for some time now, but without success."

The land set to be developed is a rough field off Onslow Road, which the club played on in the late 1980s when they ran four sides and needed more than one pitch.

The move will not be straightforward, however.

As things stand, ownership of the new recreation ground will pass straight into the district council's hands.

Future rugby club negotiations would therefore be with the district council, rather than any developer.

"The district council must decide whether it is an asset of high value, in which case they need to seek market value for it, or a drain on the public purse," said councillor Len Lawton.

Mr Lawton (pictured) revealed that proposals for the development of the new recreation ground had already been confirmed – and will include an all-weather pitch, changing facilities and an equipped children's playground.

He conceded that this would not necessarily fit in with the rugby club's needs, for a main pitch, training pitch and clubhouse.

He said: "I would love to see Newent RFC have a new home, I am fully aware of their success and their ability to use that to grow. I am a rugby supporter myself.

"I also want to see the facilities properly used by the community. I would hate to see a white elephant, something sitting there with no one using it.

"Terms can be changed providing all parties agree.

"I am very positive a way forward can be negotiated.

"There is no reason why Newent RFC can't be in a new home by 2012."