‘Football will return to Faraday Road’ in Newbury

The new leader of West Berkshire’s District Council has confirmed plans to follow through with the Liberal Democrats manifesto promise of returning football to Faraday Road in Newbury.

The historic home of football in the West Berkshire town closed in 2018 and has since become a derelict area with the London Road Industrial Estate.

However, football returning to the site was a key pledge – number one on the list in fact – in the Liberal Democrats Local Election manifesto for West Berkshire and the political party duly took control of the council with Lee Dillon installed as leader.

The Newbury Weekly News reports Mr Dillon as saying: “Football will be returning to Faraday Road.

“Potholes will be fixed.

“We will continue to protect the most vulnerable and ensure our schools remain good.

“We will make sure we are held to account by our opposition.”

Until recently, the then Conservative-controlled council had been working towards a new ‘Sports Hub’ facility next to Newbury Rugby Club. A plan that was approved by West Berkshire Council in March 2022.

Newbury FC meanwhile continue to look for a new home for the 2023/24 season having won the Hellenic League Division Two East at a canter.