GRAVESEND & Northfleet moved a step closer to a new ground on Monday night after receiving the public backing of Gravesham council.

Cllr John Burden told a meeting at Stonebridge Road that the council, along with government agencies and the club are working together to ensure that a new stadium is built in the borough.

It is the first public declaration from the council that they are backing the club’s plans for a new stadium after they had previously held talks with Gillingham chairman Paul Scally about re-locating to the area.