THE CHAIRMAN of Trowbridge Town Football Club believes it is time to get aggressive in the hunt for a new home.

John Fitchen says the club's supporters will lose interest unless the team progresses into higher leagues a feat only possible if the club moves from its Woodmarsh base.

The club, in its fifth competitive season, is tipped to win this year's Wiltshire League but will be barred from moving up into the Screwfix Western League, because the North Bradley ground fails to meet required standards.

In a letter to West Wiltshire District Council, Trowbridge Town Council and the Wiltshire Times, Mr Fitchen and club officials have appealed to local landowners.

Mr Fitchen said: "There is no doubt there is a lack of leisure facilities in Trowbridge, not just for

football. We ought to be

pushing for something like 30 to 40 acres with a view to incorporating other sporting facilities.

"We are the county town and there is nothing on the horizon for youth teams or any sport. If any landowners can help I hope they will come forward."

The members club has 260 annual subscribers and £26,000 earmarked for land purchase.

Mr Fitchen said a whole host of grants would open up if a piece of land could be identified. He said: "I have spoken to five landowners but it has all fallen through. It is very frustrating."

The 68-year-old chairman will use his programme notes for Saturday's Wiltshire League home game with Biddestone to appeal to supporters to help the cause.

He will be calling for fans of the club to lobby local authorities and the Wiltshire Times with letters.

"A lot of people think of the old club which went bust but we have credibility now," Mr Fitchen said.

"I will probably hand over the chairman's role in two years and I want to leave the club in a good state."

Cllr Jeff Osborn, who sits on the club's management committee, said he would be calling for a fund to help get the ground bid up-and-running.

"I think we need to set up an appeal throughout the town. I will do what I can to drum up support."