LYMINGTON and New Milton have voted overwhelming against a merger with New Forest neighbours Bashley.

After it was confirmed last week that the chairmen of both clubs had already met informally and discussed possibly resurrecting merger negotiations, Linnets decided unanimously not to re-enter amalgamation talks by a majority of 14-0 at an executive committee meeting on Monday.

Linnets chairman Charlie Hewlett had previously voiced his support for renewing merger discussions while Bash chief Ray Pinney said he would wait on the outcome of their neighbours' vote before gauging the opinion of his club's members.

But after the Wessex League outfit made their feelings clear, Hewlett admitted the matter was now closed.

He said: "Merging with Bashley is not something I'll pursue again. Our committee made it pretty clear that it's not something they want and if anything the meeting actually galvanised our club.

"I was surprised at the depth of feeling against joining with Bashley and I always said if the committee didn't vote in favour, the overwhelming objective of the meeting would be to galvanise our committee and I think that happened. Hopefully we can keep that up and the club can now move forward as we are."