WITTON Albion’s successful bid for floodlights from the Victoria Stadium is proof the club’s proposals to improve their facilities have made the intended initial impression.

Chairman Mark Harris told the Guardian that the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League outfit had paid no fee, but instead demonstrated the potential benefit the acquisition can bring to plans for future development of Wincham Park.

“It shows that what we intend to do resonates,” he said.

“Witton participated in an open process for the disposal of the ground’s assets and was successful in the sole bid it made, which was not cash-based [as was permitted under the terms of the auction].

“It’s important people understand this is not a case of the landowner handing out bits of stadium to whoever wants them.

“We needed to demonstrate that we had thought through what we wish to do, and how that would bring wider benefits than the immediate ones for the club.”

The floodlights will illuminate the action at Wincham Park from next season, with the ground’s existing lights turned to face the first team’s grass training pitch.

Harris revealed that Witton intend shortly to submit a planning application to Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) to install a new, third generation (3G) playing surface at the six-acre site.

It will form the first part of a phased redevelopment of the club’s home, with bids to grant bodies for financial support to follow soon afterwards.

The council announced on Monday that Witton had been granted permission by Thor Specialities (UK) Ltd, which purchased last year land on which Northwich Victoria’s now former home is built, to take fixtures and fittings from the main stand.

Harris said: “It would not be right to ignore the fact that this situation has come about through somebody else’s misfortune.

“The whole thing is tinged with some sadness.”

Thor has permission to begin dismantling the stadium’s structure from next week.

The chemicals manufacturer, based next door to the Victoria Stadium site on Wincham Avenue, has paid £500,000 to the council in compensation for the loss of a sporting facility built opened in 2006.

“I’m delighted that parts of the ground will be used to help other football clubs,” said Clr Stuart Parker, portfolio holder for culture and recreation.