By Alex Hoad

Maidstone's new owners claim they will have to secure a return to the County Town without the support of Maidstone Borough Council.

In his blog on the club website, Oliver Ash (pictured), who took control alongside local businessman Terry Casey and general manager Bill Williams a month ago, revealed the club were proceeding with a new business plan to raise cash to fund the move back to Maidstone.

He also disclosed the club are in the process of finalising plans for a new ground but would proceed ‘without the support of Maidstone Borough Council'.

He said: "We met the council last Tuesday evening at the Cray Wanderers game and impressed upon them our hopes, given the investment we and others were making, that they would support us financially and also ease some of the restrictions in contracts signed previously."

But he added: "Unfortunately we then received a disappointing email. It’s frustrating but it only makes us more determined."

The council defended its track-record of backing the club. Head of communications Roger Adley said: "The council has a good record of support for the club.

"Some years ago the council lent money to the club when no one else would do so. This meant the club could buy the site for the football stadium and then raise more money on that security."