MAIDSTONE United FC's plans to build a new stadium at Whatman Way have been hit by a new setback - a colony of Greater Crested Newts.

The Stones have been contacted by Maidstone Borough Council alerting them to the presence of a pond full of the protected creatures.

The news comes a week after the club were told they would have to fund an archaeological dig at the riverside site.

The club have replied, disputing the existence of the pond, but chairman Paul Bowden Brown refused to criticise the council.

He said: "We have worked hand in hand with MBC for several years on this project. We are providing all the information they need by return and we hope common sense prevails.”

Ian Tucker, a spokesman for Maidstone council, said: “As there is a pond adjacent to the site, English Nature has requested that a survey of great crested newts should be carried out, as they are a protected species. This will form part of the consideration of the planning application.”