WEYMOUTH Football Club have not given up hope of securing a new ground for the future, but have admitted that talks “remain challenging” in their quest to find a new home.

The Terras insist they are still “looking at various sites” to relocate to away from the Bob Lucas Stadium - which has been earmarked by developers for new housing. 

A statement given by the Terras' board to the club's fans said: “As the season draws to a close, the board would like to update everyone on the progress over the possible new community stadium.

“We have been in constant discussions with land owners and interested third parties over the last couple of years, and an amazing amount of work has gone on behind the scenes.

“The discussions have proven very complicated and they remain challenging. Everyone involved on behalf of the club has done everything possible to achieve our aims, and will continue to do so.”

It continues: “There are complicated planning issues which affect all possible sites, and the development of the land at the Bob Lucas Stadium.

“We are still looking at various sites. The landowners have made very clear that we cannot disclose the locations at this time.

“While that is frustrating for our fans, the board would like to thank the landowners for the enormous amount of time and effort that they have also put into the process.

“Once we can sort an agreement with the landowner of our preferred site, we will then be able to disclose its location and apply planning permission for the community stadium.”

Any new application would be subject to consultation and have to go before Weymouth and Portland Borough Council for consideration.

West Dorset District Council would also have a say as it is linked to a new homes plan.

Developers must provide a replacement stadium for the Terras as part of strict planning obligations agreed in 2014 when it was given the go-ahead to build up to 170 homes on the site of the Bob Lucas Stadium.

The statement ends: “We will continue the work with the landowners and WCSLLP and will report in greater detail to you, the fans, as soon as we are able to do so.”