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Cheltenham FC consider racecourse move

Cheltenham Town could be leaving their Whaddon Road ground for a new home at the nearby Cheltenham Racecourse according to a report on BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

Managers at the Prestbury Park course are considering building permanent stands to replace the tented village which could cater for both football fans and racegoers.

High winds caused havoc at the this year's Festival and bosses are keen for a safer facility. The football club could be given a new home as part of the development.

The proposals have been put forward by the course's managing director Edward Gillespie, who believes the move could benefit both parties.

A 'back-to-back' grandstand, facing the finishing straight on one side and the new football pitch on the other, is part of the scheme.

The racecourse believe the plans would prevent a repeat of this year's cancellation of one day of the Festival - caused when high winds made temporary structures at the course unsafe for spectators.

Mr Gillespie has approached the football club's chairman, Paul Baker, about the plans, and discussions are believed to be at a preliminary stage.

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