A FOOTBALL club faced with the possibility of having to fold after being told to hand over the keys to the ground has confirmed it can remain at its current ground saying they hope the club will have a “long term future”.

Hallen AFC have received confirmation from the solicitors of Almondsbury Parish Council that because of an agreement made after the club gave up its original clubhouse, bar, changing rooms and playing rights so that the Hallen Centre, in Moorhouse Lane could be built.

Last month the club announced that it may be forced to fold after it was told by the parish council to hand over the keys to the Hallen Centre, where the club’s two senior and six junior sides are based.

After an outpouring of support from around the world, including a petition signed more than 3,000 times, the club announced that it would not be handing over the keys on the deadline of May 31 that it had been given.

In a statement the club have said they are “now currently in talks with the solicitors of Almondsbury Parish Council regarding the future of our position at Hallen. This we hope will lead to the club having a long term future at Hallen.”

The club have also confirmed that as of yet no lease has been signed for the site and that discussions are ongoing.

“There is still much to sort out and many things to discuss although it is a great relief to know that we are not leaving Hallen and that our adult and junior teams can continue to play at Moorhouse Lane after doing so for over 40 years previously.

“We will endeavour to update all of our supporters of any progression the club makes with our talks but please be patient. The club would like to again thank all the people that have helped and supported us throughout this tough period.”