REDDITCH United’s £750,000 plans to install artificial pitch at the Valley Stadium could be wrecked by a rent wrangle.

Chairman Chris Swan wants the club follow in the footsteps of Sutton Coldfield United and Bedworth United with a money-spinning 3G playing surface on the club’s notoriously poor playing area.

The Reds were set to partly pay for the work through FA funding, grants and money-raising – as well as Swan investing £200,000 of his own money into the project.

The club and landlords Redditch Borough Council had agreed a longer lease for the ground, which is a stipulation of the FA, but talks broke down after it was revealed United’s rent would increase by five times.

Property developer and entrepreneur Swan currently bankrolls the club by putting £1,500 a week into cash-strapped United, but he is not prepared to invest in ground improvements if the rent goes up.

In his programme notes for Saturday’s game against Slough, Swan wrote: “Unfortunately, the District Valuer is insisting the club pays five times its current rent, which would have a corresponding knock on effect with an increase in our corporate rates bill as well.

“There is no way I am going to agree with this. Redditch United needs the same arrangement as Bedworth United have with their council. No better, no worse.

“As I said, I am a man of action, I do not seek to be involved in any property development or any other actions surrounding Redditch United at its ground and my motives are pure, I just want to be involved in a football club where the three objectives of community, junior and elite football can be achieved.

“I am determined to try to protect youth football in Redditch and I would dearly love to achieve all of the objectives with Redditch United, but at the moment I have to conclude there is not the local support from community stakeholders to achieve these objectives.

“Therefore I have had and have got no choice but to explore other options to achieve my stated aims.”

The impasse has prompted the club’s owner to look at options relocating United and the club had enquired into taking up residence at Edgar Street in Hereford.

Herefordshire Council eventually opted to hand the lease to phoenix club Hereford FC – recently formed following the demise of Hereford United – but Swan is still looking into several opportunities.

It is not the first time that the club has clashed with Redditch Borough Council. United’s hopes of a purpose-built facility in Washford were turned down by the local authority.

A council spokesperson said: “Redditch United currently pays a reduced rent of £2,000 per annum for the Valley Stadium football ground. The Council are in ongoing discussions with the club in respect of renegotiation of the lease which includes rental sums.

“The Council are in regular contact with the club and are presently awaiting additional detail from the club. Any concession would need to be formally considered by members.”