A last minute bid has been launched to stop the Radlett Airfield from being sold for a strategic rail freight development, to turn the site into a football stadium instead.

John McGowan, co-owner of St Albans City Football Club, has today (Friday) offered to buy the 119-hectare site in Park Street.

He has written to Herts county council, offering to buy the land for the club which is seeking a permanent move from Clarence Park.

John has asked the council to postpone a crucial cabinet panel meeting on Monday (9), where officers have recommended that the authority disposes of the land.

The council wants to sell the airfield to rail freight developers Helioslough, despite opposition from locals.

John said: “I understand that the freight line which has caused major upset with Park Street and St Albans residents is to be sold by the county council to a major private developer.

“A football club development on this site would be more beneficial [than] that currently proposed.”

He urged the council to adjourn Monday’s meeting to discuss the club’s proposal.

The Saints have long complained about restrictions and problems with ageing facilities at Clarence Park, which it leases from St Albans district council.

Sections of the park’s facilities date back to before the Second World War.

Earlier this year the Saints unveiled a proposal to relocate and build a new stadium for the club on a former landfill site, off Colney Heath Lane in Colney Heath.

But that plan has not been welcomed by some neighbouring villagers.