SLOUGH Town chairman Steve Easterbrook has paid tribute to those who stood behind Slough Town during its ‘wilderness years’ after it was confirmed their homecoming would soon become a reality.

Slough Borough Council approved the Arbour Park Community Sports Facility (CSF) project on a phased approach at a Cabinet meeting on Monday.

Phase one includes the building of a 3G pitch, stands and car park for The Rebels at a total cost of £3,311,000, with a deadline for opening set at August 26, 2016.

To ensure the facilities meet the Football Association’s criteria, a terrace with a minimum of 250 seats on the east side of the pitch will be included in the new ground.

Phase two will feature the construction of the main stand at a cost of £3,783,000, with a deadline for opening set at March 17, 2017.

The new CSF – which includes St Joseph’s Catholic High School and has a total cost of over £12 million – will serve an area of the borough that has high inactivity levels.

The project will offer a programme of activity attracting local people of all ages to become more active, more often – a key outcome in the council’s five-year plan.

Easterbrook has spoken of his delight at the news, and the start of a hugely exciting chapter for both the football club and the town.

He told <em>The Observer</em>: “Not only is this great news for Slough Town, but it also means that opportunities for people across the town to participate in sport and leisure will increase and be enhanced.

“The new facility will have the potential to actively attract local people of all ages, and may go some way to help to combat the costs which inactivity can cost the town.

“Everyone within the club is really excited about the future, which suddenly looks a lot brighter.

“The benefits to the club of playing in the town are obvious in terms of growing attendances, community engagement and increased support.

“We’re very grateful to the council for their commitment to not only the club but to sport and leisure as a whole.

“It’s great that they recognise the benefits of sport to the community, not just in terms of healthy lifestyles and wellbeing, but also as part of community cohesion.

“It’s been a long road, with Slough Town having been homeless since 2003, so it is not surprising that people had become sceptical and downhearted over the years.

“Now, hopefully we can put all of that behind us and look forward to a secure future.

“The message of support over the past couple of days has been absolutely fantastic. The club would like to thank all Rebel fans who have, throughout our ‘wilderness years’, stood firmly behind us.

“I think some started to doubt that it would happen in their lifetime, indeed sadly and regrettably for some it didn’t, however it now does feel that the club is finally coming home.

“Whilst there is still a long way to go and many discussions to be had, this is now the start of a hugely exciting chapter for both the club and the town.” SLOUGH Town chairman Steve Easterbrook has paid tribute to those who stood behind Slough Town during its ‘wilderness years’ after it was confirmed their homecoming would soon become a reality.

Slough Borough Council approved the Arbour Park Community Sports Facility (CSF) project on a phased approach at a Cabinet meeting on Monday.

Phase one includes the building of a 3G pitch, stands and car park for The Rebels at a total cost of £3,311,000, with a deadline for opening set at August 26, 2016.

To ensure the facilities meet the Football Association’s criteria, a terrace with a minimum of 250 seats on the east side of the pitch will be included in the new ground.

Phase two will feature the construction of the main stand at a cost of £3,783,000, with a deadline for opening set at March 17, 2017.

The new CSF – which includes St Joseph’s Catholic High School and has a total cost of over £12 million – will serve an area of the borough that has high inactivity levels.

The project will offer a programme of activity attracting local people of all ages to become more active, more often – a key outcome in the council’s five-year plan.

Easterbrook has spoken of his delight at the news, and the start of a hugely exciting chapter for both the football club and the town.

He told <em>The Observer</em>: “Not only is this great news for Slough Town, but it also means that opportunities for people across the town to participate in sport and leisure will increase and be enhanced.

“The new facility will have the potential to actively attract local people of all ages, and may go some way to help to combat the costs which inactivity can cost the town.

“Everyone within the club is really excited about the future, which suddenly looks a lot brighter.

“The benefits to the club of playing in the town are obvious in terms of growing attendances, community engagement and increased support.

“We’re very grateful to the council for their commitment to not only the club but to sport and leisure as a whole.

“It’s great that they recognise the benefits of sport to the community, not just in terms of healthy lifestyles and wellbeing, but also as part of community cohesion.

“It’s been a long road, with Slough Town having been homeless since 2003, so it is not surprising that people had become sceptical and downhearted over the years.

“Now, hopefully we can put all of that behind us and look forward to a secure future.

“The message of support over the past couple of days has been absolutely fantastic. The club would like to thank all Rebel fans who have, throughout our ‘wilderness years’, stood firmly behind us.

“I think some started to doubt that it would happen in their lifetime, indeed sadly and regrettably for some it didn’t, however it now does feel that the club is finally coming home.

“Whilst there is still a long way to go and many discussions to be had, this is now the start of a hugely exciting chapter for both the club and the town.” PICK up a copy of The Observer, out now, for all the latest Slough Town news and action including more reaction to the realisation of the homecoming.

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PICTURE: A new stadium for Slough Town will be built as a part of the CSF on the former Arbour Vale School site in Stoke Road, Slough.