Stirling Council is giving Stirling Albion Football Club until the end of November to make satisfactory progress on paying its rent arrears for Forthbank Stadium - but have warned if this does not happen the Council will move for decree.

Last night the Council rubber-stamped its commitment to pursue £67,000 of rent arrears and terminate its existing lease and renegotiate a new lease with the Club.

Stirling Albion Football Club owe in excess of one year's rent and rates to Stirling Council.

And although negotiations are ongoing with the current owner the Council considers that recovering the rent arrears and terminating the current lease may allow the Council greater flexibility to support senior professional football in Stirling and increase activity at the Forthbank Stadium.

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The Stadium, which has been leased to Stirling Albion since 1993, forms part of Stirling’s Sports Village and it plays an important role in the sport and leisure facilities offered to the community by the Council.

The current 1993 lease limits the way the stadium is run and it is thought that a review of the lease arrangements would still support senior professional football in Stirling but also ensure that the facilities are made available to the wider community when not required by the Club.

Stirling Council Leader Graham Houston said: "It is unfortunate that the Council has to take this decision and it was not taken lightly but we have been very patient with the Club and cannot allow the situation to carry on any longer.

"The Council are more than prepared to discuss the terms of the lease if that would be helpful."

Council Officers have been instructed to endeavour to facilitate any potential transfer of the Club with a view to ensuring the continuation of football at senior level in Stirling and will report back to a meeting of the Council in December on the proposed terms for the new lease and on progress with the court action.

(GK/BMcC)