THE boss of Redditch United says he is delighted that a special task force is to be set up by Redditch Council to take a closer look at the club's proposals for its future.

The club wants to relocate to Washford, and develop a multi-million pound facility, which it says is vital if the club is too survive.

The council looked at the plans but said it had many reservations, including financial ones, and could not support what was being proposed.

Club chairman Chris Swan said: "We are delighted that Redditch Council has now agreed to set up a special task force to look in detail at our plans to relocate to a new purpose built stadium.

"This is a welcome move - it will allow for all aspects of our proposal to be considered properly. There are still many obstacles to overcome, but hopefully this is a sign that there is now a will across the board to make this dream a reality."

He added: "If we all work together we could have a world class sporting facility that would not only give our town football team a sustainable future but also allow at least 1,000 youngsters a week to play, as well as allowing many more girls, ladies and disabled people to participate in what is, after all, our national sport."

He went on to thank the thousands of people who had signed a petition and shown their support for the plans, and the 200 people who turned up to a recent council meeting to show their support when the plans were being discussed.

A council spokesman said: "An overview and scrutiny committee task and finish group is now being established to look into the provision of football in Redditch. The scope of this group is being drafted to be put before the next meeting of the committee, which is scheduled for Thursday, January 9."