MARGATE have ruled out the possibility of returning to Hartsdown Park before the end of the year.

The club were refused permission to start the first phase of building at the ground during an emergency meeting at Thanet council due to problems surrounding the funding of the project.

Margate had been hoping to put up a temporary building on two sides of the ground that would have included seating and changing rooms in time for the game against Gravesend & Northfleet on Boxing Day.

The Nationwide Conference have been adament the club should return to Hartsdown by the end of the year in order to avoid automatic relegation.

Club officials believe they can still provide a stadium by the end of May and will now hold talks with the league about a way forward.

A further meeting with the council is also planned for this Friday.