A FOOTBALL club could face eviction from its ground if it fails to present a sound business plan to its landlord in less than two weeks.

Spennymoor Town Council and Spennymoor Town FC are trying to agree terms for the lease of the Brewery Field ground, on Wood Vue.

But after almost two years of discussions the parties have failed to strike a deal.

Club officials have now been set a deadline of Tuesday July 24 by their landlords.

Councillors must be satisfied that the club has a sustainable business plan for the development of the club at their next full meeting or the lease offer will be withdrawn.

The council wants assurances that the club will be able to meet its financial obligations under the proposed 25 year lease.

Town clerk, Pauline Wilson, said: "The town council has always been committed to ensuring that football is played in the name of Spennymoor, on the Brewery Field, and have remained resolute in their original decision to grant a lease to the football club.

"However, as custodians of public assets they need to be satisfied of the long term financial stability of the club."

Earlier this month, the council's finance and general purposes committee decided to no longer accept chairman Alan Murray as personal guarantor under the proposed contract.

The council granted a licence to Spennymoor Town FC to occupy the ground and buildings in September 2005, when the old Spennymoor United merged with fellow amateur club Evenwood Town.

That allowed the club access to carry out Football Association-required improvements to the premises so it could fulfil fixtures during the 2005-06 season.

Mrs Wilson has written to fans to explain that the licence was only ever a temporary arrangement and the council has been frustrated by the lack of progress in relation to a long term lease.

Members are also unhappy about problems such as vandalism at the ground, arising from the siting of a derelict cabin and lack of security.

She said if progress is not made later this month then the town council would find it regrettable but have no alternative but to evict the club.

Club chairman Alan Murray was unavailable to comment at the time of going to press.