TRUST RESPONDS ON STADIUM MOVE PLANS

THE supporters trust at Dumbarton FC has welcomed a public statement from the SPFL Championship club about full consultation with fans over proposals for a possible stadium move within the town.

The Sonstrust, a provident society that has played a significant part in the development of the club for the last 14 years, says that any new development needs to benefit supporters, help secure the future of the part-time team, strengthen links with the local community, and be financially secure.

Dumbarton FC has today announced that there will be a public consultation in November about development proposals that include a new stadium and sports facilities in the north of the town, ahead of a planning application next year.

Sonstrust chairman Brian Payne said: “We want to ensure that supporters and the community have a significant stake in developments effecting the future of Dumbarton FC. We are pleased that the club has noted both these points explicitly in its statement, and is committed to sharing information with us and engaging directly, following a meeting between the club and trust boards earlier this year, conversations with the chief executive, and the report and discussion supporters had at our AGM in May.”

He added: “Our job is to ensure that fans’ voices are heard and responded to. The club is looking to match success on the pitch with decisions off it, and it is clear that there are big decisions ahead for all of us.

“The Sonstrust is going ahead with its own discussions with Dumbarton fans and will be encouraging maximum participation in the formal consultation. We are liaising directly with the club’s CEO through our communications and projects officer, Simon Barrow.”

Comments and questions from DFC supporters welcome here. We will also be mailing trust members.