It was agreed that town rivals Waterloo Rovers would swap facilities on the Maesydre recreation area by the start of the 2011 season.

The move safeguards Welshpool Town's prized Welsh Premier status with stringent new ground criteria coming into force.

Welshpool Town clerk Robert Robinson admitted the decision had been made to ensure the town continued to be represented at the highest level of Welsh football.

"Welshpool Town FC is in a position where its facilities need to be improved or they will not be permitted into the top tier.

"It was agreed that the club could not develop its current pitch and an alternative site would be needed by the 2011 season."

The mooted swap with Welshpool Rugby Club was ruled out due to "practical" reasons and instead the committee recommended the town football clubs would trade ground facilities.

Mr Robinson said: "It should be pointed out that the council owns and maintain Maesydre but provide as much support to all its users as possible.

"In this case we have had dialogue with all three clubs and it was agreed that something had to be finally decided.

"All councillors have a lot of respect for Waterloo Rovers who are a well-run and well-supported club in the town.

"We will endeavour to ensure that Waterloo Rovers are supported through this move and are properly compensated.

"We will also insist that Waterloo Rovers are allowed to continue on their current pitch and that Welshpool Town will have to find an alternative pitch while they are developing new facilities.

"As a council we did not feel it fair to displace Waterloo Rovers Football Club and will meet officials to discuss exactly what they require to make the move."

Welshpool Town chairman Steve Hughes said the full council's support would represent "the most exciting period in the club's history."

Hughes added: "We are very grateful for the consideration given by both Waterloo Rovers Football Club and Welshpool Rugby Club.

"No-one, including Welshpool Town, really wants this but to continue in the Welsh Premier we have to meet all the ground criteria and that is not possible on our current pitch.

"We are proud to be putting Welshpool on the map and to know that the people of Welshpool and the Town Council are behind us is very heartening.

A final decision will be made by the full council on Wednesday, July 23.