Maidstone director Oliver Ash says the bid to raise £1.2million to help fund the Stones’ return to the County Town has enjoyed a positive start.

The club has drawn up plans for a £1.6million new stadium at Whatman Way in Maidstone and directors Mr Ash (pictured), Terry Casey and Bill Williams have launched a scheme to attract investment in the project, with the rest of the costs met by FA grants and their own funds.

The scheme will see Maidstone develop a state-of-the-art artificial pitch which will host hundreds of the club’s players each week and provide a new community facility for the town, as well as hosting the club’s first team fixtures.

Despite the announcement only being made last week, Mr Ash confirmed that the club have already been approached by businesses keen to invest six-figure sums in the scheme.

He said: "We met last Friday and Terry and I agreed it is an exciting time but an apprehensive one at the same time because we realise it is a lot of money.

"We will be sending out a detailed document to potential investors which sets out what we are planning to do and what they get for their money.

"The detailed version is still being finalised. We have had one or two pledges already, which is a great start and we have had one or two more initial approaches which is all positive."