SUPPORTERS trust Bees United believe they may have made a crucial breakthrough in their efforts to secure a new stadium for Brentford FC at Lionel Road, near Kew Bridge.

At a meeting at the football club's offices on March 5th, proposals were made for a partnership between the developers - who have had an offer to buy the Lionel Road site accepted - and Brentford FC.

Finance from the football club would come through the residential development of Griffin Park, whilst the developers could realise profits from enabling developments on the site.

The football club were represented by director Eddie Rogers and the meeting was attended by Bees United chairman and Brentford director John McGlashan, Douglas White of the Milhouse Group and Cllr Luke Kirton.

Mr McGlashan, who has now become a full-time employee of Bees United, said: "The developers told us they felt our proposals were workable. The idea is that Brentford would own the stadium or be given a very long lease.

"It could take18 months to obtain planning permission and another 18 months to build, but it would be better than going to Feltham Arenas."

However, Brentford chairman Ron Noades is keeping his options open.

He said: "We will be delighted if the Lionel Road project proves to be viable and Hounslow Council back it. But at this stage, we must explore all avenues and, therefore, our £3 million bid for Feltham Arenas still stands. We will pursue whichever deal can be tied up first - we can't afford to let an opportunity slip by.

"A move to either Feltham or Lionel Road would satisfy all the council's conditions on the residential development of Griffin Park and thereby maximise the revenue from its sale."