GRAYS Athletic has announced funding is now in place to build a new stadium in its home town.

The club left the New Recreation Ground, in Bridge Road, Grays, five years ago and has since been ground sharing with other clubs in Thurrock, most recently Aveley.

However, it’s not clear where the money has come from, or where in Grays stadium could be built.

And, of course, the club’s bosses would have to gain planning permission for any move from the council, which has said it is keen to work with the club to find an answer.

Grays Athletic owner Andy Swallow told the Gazette: “We have the money to build a new stadium. We will soon be able to move forward and bring Grays home!”

A statement from the club said: “Everyone involved at Grays Athletic are determined to build a communitybased football club in Grays and the building of a new community stadium will enable the club to build strong ties with the people of Grays and Thurrock.”

Guy Pomroy, chairman of the Thurrock Business Association, said it was good news.

He said: “It will attract people from all over the country to see Grays and what it has to offer. From a business point of view, there will be opportunities for local firms and local people in the construction trade, and that will filter out into the community.”

Tessa Dallyn-Roberts, from the Thameside Community Forum, added: “Anything that brings communities together has got to be a good thing, and there’s nothing quite like football to do that!”

A spokesman for Thurrock Council said: “As always the council is happy to work with all local organisations to help them improve their circumstance.”