A FOOTBALL club is set for a new start after 40 years as it moves to a new £400,000 home.

Detailed plans have now been released on the expensive revamp of Swan Mead recreation ground, Vange.

It is to become the new home for Vange United as its current base at Kent View Road playing fields, also in Vange, is soon to be developed into 73 new homes.

Mike Inwood, vice-president of the club, which had been based at Kent View since 1971, said: “When the question mark cropped up about Kent View, we had a meeting with the council and this is what they came up with.

“If it comes to fruition it will be absolutely excellent. As far as we are concerned, we are very happy.” Around £400,000 is set to be invested into Swan Mead recreation ground, following the approval of plans.

The proposals involve creating four new changing rooms, male and female showers, disabled access, toilets, a referees’ changing room, store, kitchen and park attendant’s office.

There is currently only one football pitch, but the site will be reconfigured to create two full size pitches and 11 parking spaces.

Kevin Blake, Basildon councillor responsible for leisure, said: “This investment in a new pavilion and changing facilities at Swan Mead will create a much larger and better facility for the users of the park.”

The move had to be made after the council unveiled plans to build homes on its Kent View base to help pay for the £38million Sporting Village being built in Gloucester Park, Basildon.

Despite the new facility, members of Vange Community Group have complained children who play ball games at Kent View Road playing fields will lose out.

A much smaller playing area will remain at Kent View, with goalposts, but no marked pitch.