Football will continue at Clacton’s Rush Green Bowl under a new short-term licence, giving players and supporters stability for the 2026/27 season while longer-term plans are put in place.

Tendring District Council (TDC) has agreed the licence for Clacton Town Football Club Ltd to remain on the council-owned site in Rush Green Road on a temporary basis, while a fair and transparent tender process is prepared for a long-term lease.

The licence will put the current occupation arrangements on a proper footing, with clear safeguards in place, while keeping the facility available for football and wider community use.

Rush Green Bowl has long been used for football and community purposes, and the council has been working to resolve longstanding issues linked to its occupation. This latest decision marks welcome progress towards a sustainable future for the site.

Councillor Peter Kotz, TDC Cabinet Member for Assets, said: “We know how important Rush Green Bowl is to local football and to the wider community, and we want to see it being used, enjoyed and looked after for the benefit of residents.

“This short-term licence keeps football going at the site while giving us the time to put the right long-term arrangements in place through a fair and open process.

“It is about supporting grassroots sport, protecting an important community asset, and making sure decisions are taken properly and responsibly on behalf of residents.

“We welcome the club’s recent improvements to the ground. We note that once the tender process is complete and a long-term agreement is in place, whoever secures the lease may be able to access further funding opportunities through the FA.”

The short-term licence includes safeguards to protect the council-owned site, while allowing the club to continue operating and plan for the remainder of the 2026/27 season during the interim period.

The council is also preparing an open tender process for a longer-term lease, with the aim of securing a sustainable future for the site that benefits the community and local football.