FOOTBALL fans and residents are to have their say about the future of Gillingham's Priestfield Stadium.

Club chairman Paul Scally has invited people to a meeting tomorrow (Thursday) night to discuss plans for the redevelopment of the Town End terracing. Under Football League regulations Gillingham must have an all-seater stadium for the start of next season.

Despite the loss of £2.7 million - owing to the ITV Digital fiasco - the club are pressing ahead with plans to build a new stand.

Mr Scally wrote to residents in the area who would be affected with the building work inviting them to a meeting where they could view the designs.

In a letter to some households, he said: “When we began building the magnificent Medway Stand two years ago, it was suggested by some residents that it would have been helpful if discussions had taken place prior to our planning application being submitted, to enable those residing directly in the vicinity of the stadium to better understand the project and comment on design and other matters.

“I believe those views were reasonable. We are confining it to those who we believe may have an immediate interest on what we are planning. I don't think that what we have in mind will come as a great shock, but we need to keep them informed of our intentions.”

If planning permission is given, the club will have to stretch financial resources in a bid to carry out the work.