DISCUSSIONS are still ongoing between Stroud District Council and Stroud College over the future of Stratford Court, it emerged last Thursday night.


Cllr June Cordwell, SDC's policy lead for community services, confirmed negotiations were continuing between the two parties over plans for a £4.8 million sports academy at the site.


Responding to a question from Cllr John Jones (Con, Severn) during the executive meeting, Cllr Cordwell said a report about the proposed development would be put before the council's leadership next month.


SDC leader Geoff Wheeler was keen to stress that a final decision had not been taken, however.


The council owns Stratford Court and is considering leasing the site to the college to enable the multi-million pound development, which would include floodlit pitches, classrooms and changing rooms, to be built.


However, there are growing calls for the facilities to be sited at Stratford Park instead after significant opposition to the scheme emerged.


The rainbow administration's executive member for regeneration, Cllr Roger Sanders (Lab, Uplands), is one of those calling for the academy to be located there.


Speaking to the SNJ after the meeting, he said: "I am very much in favour of the development but it has to go in the right place. I am keen that it goes in Stratford Park rather than Stratford Court."


Cllr Sanders added he would like to see a running track included in the proposal to 'build on the Olympic legacy' and provide a facility for Stroud Athletics Club.