PONTYPOOL RFC boss Ben Jeffreys has revealed that “extremely positive” discussions with Torfaen council over the past two weeks mean plans to modernise the facilities at Pontypool Park and secure the ground against any further vandalism are back on the table.

Discussions had reached a stalemate after the council asked the club to sign a 20-year lease, requiring the club to assume responsibility for the day-to-day maintenance.

But recent meetings between club and council have gone a long way toward an agreement between the two which would satisfy both parties, Mr Jeffreys indicated.

He said: “It is clear that there is a huge desire for us to remain at Pontypool Park and the council have demonstrated a real commitment to us recently.

“They clearly want to keep Pontypool’s iconic rugby club exactly where it belongs.

“We are confident we will soon be able to reapply for planning permission, and then it will depend on the response of the public and if there are any objections.” The proposals would see the current stand brought up to “modern standards”, Mr Jeffreys added, and give the site a “much needed facelift”.

The fence, meanwhile, would help deter persistent incidents of arson, anti-social behaviour and vandalism, which have blighted the club in recent years.

On one occasion screwdrivers, nails and knife blades were found driven into the try line of the field at the picturesque park.

Syringes have also been found.

It would also help the club meet the requirements of what’s needed for a return to the top tier of Welsh club rugby – the Principality Premiership

A Torfaen council spokesman said: “Our meetings with the club have been positive.”