Campaigners say thanks

The Bring Ards FC Home campaign has congratulated local Councillors for backing the construction of a new football arena.

In a public statement made this week, Council members were told that Ards supporters warmly welcomed the agreement to vote through the latest stage of the process.

The statement also offered continued assistance to the Council officers as they prepare the way forward. It read: "We congratulate every Councillor who contributed to the unanimous passing of this proposal and also add our thanks to the Council officers who spent much time diligently putting together the plan.

"We give every encouragement now, as the finer details of the scheme are worked out and the funding bid prepared. The supporters of Ards FC would be only too glad to assist in any way."

With the Council agreeing several weeks ago to advance the project and make contact with relevant stakeholders, campaigners hinted at a new dawn for sport in the area. "While the project may still have some way to go before fulfillment, there is hope that this decision marks the beginning of what will become a legacy project for the area."

Supporters also expressed thanks to the many businesses and individuals who have been a source of assistance throughout the period away from home saying, "We are very grateful for the backing received from our sponsors and friends and look forward to the day when we might reward their loyalty by taking the field in Newtownards once again in the red and blue."

4th June 2009

ardsfc.co.uk