Hitchin Town FC has said today it will do “everything possible” to ensure the future of the club is safeguarded, after plans to turn the ground into a supermarket resurfaced.

The club has released a statement on its website this evening in response to news that Top Field could be replaced by a supermarket, widely believed to be Tesco.

No planning application has been submitted but developer New Road (Clifton) has put forward ideas to North Herts District Council. The ground in Fishponds Road is owned by the Hitchin Cow Commoners Trust and leased to Hitchin Town.

In response, a club statement said: “Hitchin Town Football Club can fully appreciate the concerns of supporters and the wider public at the news in the local papers regarding developer New Road (Clifton) putting forward ideas to North Herts District Council for the opening of a supermarket on Top Field.

“Unfortunately the club are unable to fully comment on this application due to ongoing litigation with the Hitchin Cow Commoners Trust. But please rest assured that we are doing everything possible to ensure the best possible outcome for Hitchin Town Football Club and indeed this is the reason litigation has been entered in to with the Cow Commoners.

“As soon as it is possible we will make a full statement and supporters will be kept fully informed as the situation develops. But we remain convinced of our position and that Hitchin Town Football Club will have a positive future.”