THE fate of a former North-East football stadium could be decided soon, as the trust that owns the derelict site prepares to take advice.

Darlington Feethams Cricket Field Trust has asked for a professional opinion on the best way to dispose of the land, the future of which has been the subject of much speculation since the town's football club left in 2003.

The trust could stand to make millions of pounds if it decides to let a developer buy the venue.

Cricket club chairman Brian Johnson, a member of the trust's management board, said: "We have instructed the various expert advisors on this matter. We are seeking tax advice and general advice on the best way of, in effect, disposing of the land.

"We have given full instructions and we are simply waiting for those people we have instructed to respond."

Once the advice has been received, the trust will call a meeting to agree on the way forward.

Quakers manager David Hodgson has previously suggested plans to open a five-a-side football academy at Feethams, but does not expect the cricket club to grant him the lease.

According to the trust's deed of foundation, any proceeds from a sale would have to be used for the perpetual use of cricket and other sports, as dictated by the cricket club.