Eccleshall's hopes of having access improved to their Pershall Park ground have been dashed by Staffordshire County Council.
The club threw its support behind a move by local residents to have a footpath extended from the centre of Eccleshall to the ground, but the plan has been rejected by the Council.
Eccleshall's Bill Grinham explained: "For anyone not aware, Eccleshall FC is located about a mile outside of Eccleshall on a country road. The ground is situated opposite the small hamlet of Pershall, hence Eccleshall's ground being called Pershall Park.
"To get from the hamlet of Pershall (and the Eccleshall Football Ground) into Eccleshall town, any intrepid pedestrian has to take their life in their hands for the short hike (just over a mile). There is no footpath, only alternating grass verges to stagger along, until you reach the existing path about two thirds of the way into town. Traffic-wise, the road is fast and bendy and attracts budding T.T. racers, and any walkers can create unexpected hazards to drivers.
"A few months ago, local residents compiled a petition, requesting that the footpath be extended for the full distance. Besides the obvious advantages to the locals, EFC would benefit greatly. Regulars at the club keenly signed-up, as it would hopefully mean more 'townies' would consider coming to the ground to increase the gate.
"With the juniors now established just over the lane, maybe even more could be attracted if safe access was available, without their parents' driving input. In the present arguments of 'global warming', it could be said the path would obviously also be very 'Green', lowering the mystical carbon footprints and getting a few of the local 4 x 4's off the road for a few minutes.
"Unfortunately Staffordshire County Council have now rejected the application for a footpath, on the usual grounds that it would be 'too expensive'.
Club Secretary Richard Marsh says that everyone at the club is hoping the local residents will take inspiration from the song by Adele, and "keep on chasing pavements", as improved access to Pershall would undoubtedly have spin off benefits for them.
"There is room for a footpath as the grass verge is wide enough. The residents close to the club felt there is a need for one because of the danger to walkers who have to use the road and dice with death. The road has a couple of bends on it and with no speed restriction there and no footpath, we feel it also discourages people who may wish to walk to the Football Club.
"We don't know as yet if the residents are going to appeal against the decision, but we all signed their petition and the proposal has our full support".
