OWNERS of newly-founded Salisbury FC have taken a giant step towards relocating to their home after the trustees of Raymond McEnhill Stadium have agreed to meet them.

Chairman David Phillips, who was joined by manager Steve Claridge and director Ian Ridley, announced at Salisbury Area Board’s meeting last night that the trustees have agreed to talk with them about possible lease options.

At South Wilts Grammar School, Phillips spoke about the Save Our Stadium campaign - launched by supporters to help boost the bid of the phoenix club regaining access to Old Sarum - which fans, councillors, city residents and others have vowed their support to.

The petition has now racked up more than 6,000 signatures.

“We have been trying to talk to the trustees of the Ray Mac,” said Phillips.

“It’s been a very frustrating time. We have had fantastic help from the supporters and politicians of various colours and John Glen has also been involved, trying to help us.

“What I can tell you is that in the very, very recent past, there has been a new development and we have actually heard from the trustees.

“They are prepared to meet us to discuss getting back into the Raymond McEnhill Stadium.

“We are hoping we can organise a meeting early next week.

“This is obviously only the start.

“We don’t know what conditions there will be.

“We do know they are talking about a commercial rent whereas in the previous 15 or 16 years the rent has always been peppercorn.”

Supporter Thom Belk, who helped create the campaign on social media, gave a presentation at the meeting.

He said: “We would like you councillors to be aware of the massive support of the public in Salisbury and the massive black hole left in the community at the moment.

“This is not just a football club this is a big part of people’s lives and a big loss to the community.”

Labour councillor and chairman of Salisbury Area Board, Ricky Rogers, says he will be writing a letter, which will include councillors’ signatures including Wiltshire Leader Jane Scott’s, to the trustees.

Supporters have delivered the petition signatures to Wilsons Law, the firm acting on behalf of the trustees.

A spokesman said: "The trustees are willing to consider the grant of a lease for one season, on reasonable commercial terms to be discussed, to enable the new club to start operations and to give it time to find a new facility."

In the meantime, club workers say they will be working over the next fortnight to present their case to the FA ahead of submitting their final application to join the non-league Football Pyramid.

Ridley said: “These are still early days in the process and there is negotiation to do but at least now there is a chink of light for the club and the supporters.”