DORCHESTER Town would miss a “significant opportunity to develop” without community ownership, according to one of the club’s key figures.

Magpies’ shareholders will vote at the AGM on Thursday, December 11 to see whether or not the club can begin the process of changing to a Community Benefit Society (CBS).

And board member Dave Martin, pictured, has told Echosport just how crucial the potential switch could be for a club like Dorchester – if the special resolution receives backing first.

“Research by Supporters Direct suggests that the community are more likely to invest in, support and trust a community-owned organisation,” he said.

“Grant funding would be easier to secure, for example, financing a 3G pitch to UEFA standard or for infrastructure development that benefits the whole community.”

He added: “Without community ownership the club will miss a significant opportunity to develop, grow, and benefit both the local community and the football club itself.”

However, Martin also made it clear that even if the resolution is passed, there are still a number of hurdles for the club to clear before it can become a fully-fledged CBS.

But when asked where he sees the club in five years’ time, the Magpies’ secretary said: “A community club with a 3G pitch, with greater number of local players playing regularly in the first team and back in Conference South.”

Meanwhile, long-time fan Nigel Hayes has been added to the club’s CBS Steering Group, joining the likes of chairman Matt Lucas, Martin and Shaun Hearn.