A COMMUNITY football club threatened with extinction has launched an appeal for kind-hearted Hampshire residents and businesses to help it reach its goal of bringing its ground up to standard.

It follows the closure of Brendon FC's clubhouse and five football pitches at Test Park, Redbridge, by Southampton City Council after surveyors found asbestos around the pipes.

The ten-team club's spokesman Derek Caplen said they desperately needed volunteers and donations from firms to repair its aged changing rooms.

"We were formed in 1966 and have helped give youngsters something positive to do and set up men's teams throughout our history," he said.

"The ground has been closed down and this will have a huge effect on the community unless we can get it up to the required standard.

"We cannot let our pitches out to other teams at present so we have no money coming in and that can only end in disaster for us."

He said the club had pumped £30,000 into maintaining the site since taking over the lease four years ago but that its condition was still in need of repair.

Anyone who can help the club should ring Mr Caplen on 01703 553987 (24-hour answerphone) or 0973 147646.

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