THE SWINDON Town Supporters Trust have reinvigorated their funding scheme and unveiled more details of its flagship project - the Stratton Bank roof.

It was revealed earlier this year that TrustSTFC were working on a plan to put a roof on the oft-redundant Shrivenham Road end of the County Ground, at an estimated cost of £500,000.

The Trust have announced a renewed fundraising drive for the Red Army Fund today, which they believe will more than raise the required cash to pay for the Bank roof and many other projects in the future.

Through the re-launched fund, the Trust are allowing Town fans to play their part in raising the roof by committing to one of a number of different monthly packages, ranging from £1 to £25.

The announcement marks a new chapter for the Trust, who have enjoyed a number of successes since passing the 1,000-member mark last in October last year.

They filled the Stratton Bank with 3,500 schoolchildren and parents for the game against Fleetwood Town last season and launched a ticketing scheme to allow children in participating schools to go to a number of home games for free if accompanied by a paying adult.

Mike Welsh, deputy chair of the Trust and the man leading the Bank roof project, believes rejuvenation of the Red Army Fund marks the first step in attaining the fan group’s core aims.

“Since 1958, successive club owners have talked of a stand roof on the Stratton Bank. Well, now the fans, through the TrustSTFC, have now advanced plans on doing exactly that,” said Welsh.

“The 2274 seats on the Bank give an excellent view of matches, but it often remains empty and a very occasional overflow for away fans. After the Liverpool friendly, it’s unlikely to be used much this season.

“The cost of the Roof is £500,000 plus VAT. This makes a base cost of around £220 per seat. This is very cost-effective and would give us an all-seated and covered ground of just under 15,000 fans.

“Further discussions with the club could see the atmosphere of matches substantially improved with the use of four sides of the County Ground.

“The TrustSTFC would also like to see a family enclosure in the County Ground, so as to continue to encourage our younger fans to come in a secure environment, with vibrant activities on match days.”

“Our TrustSTFC architectural firm - Eric Coles Ltd of Cirencester - have now produced plans of the proposed stand roof ready for consulting with the club, council and residents and then putting in for planning permission.”

WATCH THE RED ARMY FUND'S INTRODUCTORY VIDEO HERE

SUPPORT THE RED ARMY FUND. GO TO REDARMYFUND.CO.UK FOR DETAILS ON HOW