Gills chairman Paul Scally has accused a Ukip candidate of scoring political points over strong opposition to plans to relocate to a new ground.

Mr Scally was reacting to a 400-signature petition presented by Cllr Vaughan Hewett against a plan to build a stadium at Mill Hill off Yokosuka Way, Gillingham.

He said: “They are being somewhat premature. We are a long way off from a decision. And if Mill Hill does look like going ahead it will not do so before proper consultation and consideration with residents and all other parties.

“I am just suspicious that this Ukip councillor has gone banging on doors to get this petition, days before an election.”

Cllr Hewett told councillors that residents were pressing for the site, which is classed as Green Belt, should remain intact.”

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Hewett, who is standing in Rainham North, said: “As far as I am concerned I was just doing my job and representing the people in my ward. They came to me and asked if a petition would be a good idea.

“I am not against a new stadium, but I think it should be self-supporting and not rely on other developers.

“I don’t think it’s me who’s jumping the gun here. We know these plans are in the air.”

Like many local authorities, Medway Council is under pressure to earmark plots of land where homes can be built to alleviate a national shortage.

Mr Scally is currently in discussion with investors to secure finances that would take the club to another level.

He said: “A new stadium would bring huge employment to the area. It would be a purpose-built community stadium for people in the community and provide facilities for young and disadvantaged.”

The sports development would include 300 homes and a supermarket to finance the stadium which would cost an estimated cost of between £30 million and £40 million.

Mr Scally added that Mill Hill was currently the only option in Medway and his preferred choice.