ACCRINGTON Stanley could begin training at a new facility by the start of the 2019/20 season, it has been revealed.

Council bosses have confirmed they have been working closely with Accrington Stanley over the past months to agree a deal over the use of the King George V playing fields in Baxenden.

The news comes the day after public notices were issued by the council outlining their intentions to lease out around 20 acres of land in Accrington and Oswaldtwistle.

And if a deal can be agreed, Stanley could be calling King George's their home training ground by the end of the year.

Leader of the council Miles Parkinson said he was optimistic about the prospect of the move.

He said: “We have been working closely with the club’s owner Andy Holt to find a suitable space for the club and in principle we are looking at the playing fields as an option.

“It has been an aspiration in the town to have the team training in the area and discussions are ongoing.

“This would be a hugely positive progression.”

Last year, club bosses announced that planning permission had been granted to develop land in Read into a new training facility for the Reds, but managing director David Burgess said he hopes the club will be given the opportunity to sign the deal for an Accrington site instead.

He said: “The playing fields are an ideal location for us to develop the club and our training - not only the first team but the academy and youth teams too.

“Now this opportunity has come up we feel an Accrington base would be our better option, for both the club and the borough. If we can agree a deal, this would be our preference of the two - but the Ribble Valley option is not a dead duck."

A further five acres of land in Oswaldtwistle were also put up for lease, though residents and councillors in the area have voiced concerns over the loss of public space.

Councillor Sara Britcliffe, who represents the St Andrew’s ward, said she was disheartened that White Ash Playing Fields were at risk of being taken away from the people of the town.

She said: “I grew up playing on the fields, as did many of my friends. It is a much-used piece of land by dog-walkers, families and children. It is also used for community events like the Carnival, and it would be a real shame to no longer have access to the area.”

But Cllr Parkinson said: “The council are only looking to lease out the football pitches, not the whole playing fields, there would still be some access.

“When it comes to things like the carnival we would look to ensure that there was a clause in the lease agreement that would allow for it to continue.”