Leek CSOB were among a group of key stakeholders behind plans for a sports hub in Leek and the improvement facilities at Birchall Playing Fields, in the town.

But the club, which was due to move to Birchall, have pulled out after developing alternative plans for their future.

A council report states this has had a big impact on the scheme and means there are significant risks to funding opportunities.

The report, produced ahead of a cabinet meeting of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council today, reads: "Leek CSOB have withdrawn to pursue new opportunities for the development of their own club independently. This has had a significant impact on the direction of the scheme."

It adds: "There are significant risks to any funding opportunities with the Football Foundation and other funders as the co-operation of both clubs was seen as fundamental to the development of football."

Under the scheme, another club, Leek Town Football Club, was set to be brought together with Leek CSOB.

The report says Leek Town is still fully-committed to the project along with other stakeholders, which include Leek Sports Council.

It adds that the scheme will still continue and is expected in three phases.

Commenting on thsi website, Leek Town chairman Andy Wain (pictured)said,

"Please rest assured that Leek Town does remain fully committed to the project and things are still moving.

I am working extremely hard on this project and in the next couple of weeks I will have some positive and very encouraging news.

What Leek CSOB do is entirely up to them and as long as Leek Town and the community benefit from the developments then we can move forward."