Pop concerts and exhibitions could rescue the struggling finances of the Julie Rose Stadium.

Cllr Peter Davison (Ash Ind), chairman of the Julie Rose Stadium Trust, has welcomed a decision by Ashford Borough Council to consider lifting restrictions which govern noise levels and lighting at the stadium.

A decision to lift the restrictions could be two to three weeks away.

The new rules would then enable the stadium to put on shows and concerts in order to bring in money to help its struggling finances.

There are hopes of putting on one or two concerts in the near future and a long-term ambition to put on up to 10 a year.

Although a money-making venture, it would require some investment as the running track would need to be protected and security would need to be stepped up.

It is thought about 3,000 people could be accommodated with 800 people in the stand seats, plus others on the grass bank.

The idea for concerts is not a new one and Cllr Davison has been pushing for it in order to raise vital funds for the stadium, but it is only now that jobs are at risk and cuts are expected that the council has agreed to seriously consider lifting the restrictions.

Another idea, which has been discussed for a number of years but that Cllr Davison is hoping will one-day become a reality, is to develop Conningbrook Water and the area owned by Bretts behind the stadium.

He hopes it will become a water sports area for rowing, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing.

But again the ambitious plans require investment.

Cllr Davison, a former athlete, sailor and rower at county class level, was involved in developing a rowing facility in the Midlands.

He says he remains focused on the more immediate worries of cuts at the Julie Rose Stadium but said: “We must have a vision for the future.”