BURY FC supporters’ trust has triumphed in its bid to protect the club’s ground by having it listed as a “community asset”.

The application by Forever Bury, approved by Bury Council, means the trust must be notified if the ground is to be sold by the current or any future owners.

The trust will then have a six-month period to put together its own bid for the stadium.

Following the successful Asset of Community Value (ACV) bid, Forever Bury chairman Dave Giffard said: “It’s a really significant moment for all Shakers fans.

“This has followed months of meetings with both the club’s directors and various council bodies to get us to this point and we’re delighted with the council’s decision.

“We were particularly pleased that the club was quick to lend its support for our application and we have also received fantastic advice and support at every stage from Supporters Direct, which has led the drive to have stadia up and down the country designated as ACVs.”

Mr Giffard said: “The stadium is of massive local importance, not just for the fans, but also everyone in the town as so many people are involved in the various activities organised by both Bury FC’s Sport in the Community and Forever Bury.

“Fans will now have a right in law to participate in any discussion about the continuance of football at the JD Stadium.”

Formerly known as Gigg Lane, the ground has been the home of Bury FC since the club was formed in 1885.

Forever Bury is a member of Supporters Direct, the governing body for supporters’ trusts, and becomes the 21st trust to have protected its local stadium. Mr Giffard added: “As a footnote, I’d like to reassure fans that we sincerely hope that we never need to use the ACV.”