The future of Badgers Hill stadium in Frome remains uncertain after local authorities rejected two takeover bids. The council’s decision has caused disappointment among those managing the facility and raises concerns about the future of Frome Town AFC.

Rejected bids and lack of financial guarantees

Frome Town Council announced that it had not accepted either of the two offers submitted for the lease or purchase of Badgers Hill Stadium. The reason was insufficient financial credibility of the bidders.

As stated in the official announcement, none of the proposals included a viable business plan supported by clear proof of funds to both acquire and invest in the site. As a result, the authorities concluded they could not proceed with either offer. In the context of finance, this can easily be linked to entertainment. One such example is Neteller-friendly UK casinos, where attractive welcome bonuses are available.

One of the bids came from Badgers Hill Ltd, the company currently managing the stadium, while the other was submitted by an anonymous organisation, One Square Foot, which had previously run a crowdfunding campaign that is no longer accessible online.

Background of dispute and financial tensions

Badgers Hill Stadium was purchased by the town council in 2022 following financial difficulties faced by its previous owners. The move was intended to secure the future of the venue, which is home to Frome Town AFC.

In July 2025, management of the stadium was taken over by Badgers Hill Ltd, owned by club chairman and American businessman Courtney Fong. The company agreed to pay £32,000 per year in rent, with an option to purchase the stadium in the future.

Initial fan enthusiasm quickly gave way to tensions. Within months, the council criticised the company for failing to pay rent, warning that this could lead to losing Badger's Hill for good. The company rejected the criticism, pointing to historical financial issues related to the site.

© Frome Town Council

Disappointment and risk of relocation

The council’s decision triggered a strong reaction from both the stadium management and the club. A spokesperson for Badgers Hill Ltd and Frome Town AFC admitted they learned about the rejection only after it was publicly announced.

This is deeply disappointing, particularly given the condition the ground was handed over in last summer and the tens of thousands of pounds already invested by Badgers Hill Ltd, alongside an incredible group of partners and volunteers, to repair and revitalise the stadium, the spokesperson said.

If our plan is not accepted, the football club will also be forced to move. But Badgers Hill is about far more than football, they added, highlighting the potential consequences of the decision.

Protecting community’s interest

City officials stress that their priority is to safeguard the site as a community asset. Council leader Fiona Barrows recalled that in 2022 the authority stepped in to clear debts in order to prevent the loss of the stadium.

The site is now owned by the community – by the people of Frome – and with that comes a responsibility to protect it for the future and ensure it is managed in a way that is robust, deliverable, and in the best interests of everyone, she said.

Having invested significant public money, time and effort into securing the site, we must be confident that any future partner can demonstrate the financial certainty needed to deliver on their plans, she added.