MEDWAY Council's Cabinet has decided to give Gillingham Football Club until June 30 to demonstrate that there is support for its proposals for a new stadium at Temple Waterfront, Strood, from all landowners.

Medway Council owns around one-third of the Temple Waterfront site immediately north of Medway Valley Park but there are two remaining landowners whose position is unclear.

Cabinet took the decision in light of the uncertainty over whether landowners support the Gills' proposals, concerns over the feasibility and viability of the scheme. It decided not to fund a further feasibility study for these same reasons and because of the council's current budget position.

The club will also need to demonstrate that issues including transport, ground contamination, ecological and geo-environmental issues can be resolved.

Leader of Medway Council Cllr Rodney Chambers said: "It is important to be clear that we are not saying no to Gillingham Football Club but all three landowners need to see more detailed proposals before we can begin to reach a balanced decision."

The adventurous plans put forward by the club include a stadium (with integral apartments), hotel, casino, town housing, affordable housing, primary school and nursery, pub, restaurant and doctor's surgery on the 52-acre marshland site.

Medway Council recognises the inadequacy of the Gills' current Priestfield home and has pledged to work with the club to identify a

suitable site where a new stadium can be developed.