FOREST GREEN'S proposed new £3million stadium has been given the green light.

In a champagne ceremony at the football club's current home, representatives from the county, district and town council, as well as Forest Green and sponsors Smiths (Gloucester) Ltd put pen to paper on the £3million project on Monday.

The project was initially drawn up in October 2002, plans were submitted after public consultation in January 2004 and received planning permission last August, leaving only the legal issues to be completed.

Construction on the new site is expected to begin next month with a proposed completion date in August.

Rovers' new ground next to Nailsworth Recreation Centre will bring community facilities, increased parking and improvements to the highways.

Club spokesman Colin Peake stated: "This is the final piece of the jigsaw, which will now permit the club to start work. It demonstrates the commitment of all the partners with total support from the community in enabling the project to start so quickly."