DUMBARTON Football Club’s official fan group has given the green light for a new Renton stadium - if the team promises not to sell the current stadium before the new one opens.

A vote of 300 Sonstrust members saw a “significant majority” agree to back the plans to transform the site at Young’s Farm into the club’s new 4,000 capacity home – if it is financially viable.

In a statement published to the group’s website, spokesman Simon Barrow said many fans would like to remain at the Rock, but were “realistic” about the future.

It said: “The vote is an endorsement of the trust’s position of constructive engagement with the club’s owners over their development proposals, but the trust board is strongly emphasising that their ‘stage-by-stage’ approach is still in place, and that there is a long way to go — especially with regard to financial planning and assurances of sustainability if the project gets the go-ahead.

“The evidence is that fans are seeking to take a positive view of the opportunities a new stadium development could offer, but this qualified endorsement is only part of the process and is certainly not a ‘blank cheque’ for the developers.

“Many would still prefer to be able to stay at the Rock, but are realistic about needing to take a careful decision about what is in the best interests of the club.”

As previously reported, West Dunbartonshire Council leader Jonathan McColl has publicly supported the plans, subject to any roads, environmental and other issues being resolved through the normal planning process.

He also said “the proposed development will see not only enhanced facilities for our local football team and fans, but more publicly available facilities developed.”

However, two local community councils – Silverton and Overtoun, and Bonhill and Dalmonach – have lodged objections.

They state that the environmental and social costs of the development “far outweigh” any potential economic developments.

In a letter sent to West Dunbartonshire Council’s planning department, Silverton and Overtoun CC secretary Rose Harvie – who suggested Dalmoak Farm be investigated as a potential location – said: “It is our opinion that, from 200 private houses in the development, it is extremely unlikely that any child would walk to school from this site.

“It would certainly be possible for adult commuters to use the cycle tracks in daylight and good weather, and perhaps for a few people to use buses, both commuting to the station, and football fans on match days, but we would suggest it would be far more likely that most residents, and many football fans, would use their cars.”