Council Leader Kevin Davis has accused a fellow councillor of being a “barbarian” in comparing Kingstonian leaving Kingston town centre to the loss of All Saint’s Church.  

Councillors from across the borough debated the future of Kingstonian at a full council meeting yesterday after a petition calling on the council to save the 130-year-old football club reached more than 500 signatures.

Kingstonian are set to have to move from Kingsmeadow stadium after leaseholders AFC Wimbledon secured planning permission to build a 12,000 seater stadium in Plough Lane in Merton last week.

Friday, December 11: What now for Kingstonian? Ks' future in the balance as AFC Wimbledon secure move back to Plough Lane

Tuesday, November 17: AFC Wimbledon vote to sell Kingsmeadow - also shared by Kingstonian - making Plough Lane move a step closer

Thursday, October 8: Campaign to save Kingstonian from extinction closes in on council debate

Councillor and Kingstonian fan Jon Tolley - wearing a Kingstonian shirt for the occasion - said: "We don’t want Kingstonian Football Club to suffer. Taking Kingstonian from the town is more significant than losing All Saints Church.

"While it looks like we will have to ground share for a few seasons, if that turns into a few decades the damage will be irreparable."

Speaking to the Surrey Comet Coun Davis said: "If he did mean it he’s a barbarian. There’s no way we should be comparing other ancient buildings with heritage.

"I think he needs to be a bit more grown up. They’re all important to us and we can’t go down that route."

Coun Davis confirmed at the meeting Kingston Council is in talks with a developer over a potential new site, though he did not confirm who the developer was.

He said: "I’ve sat down on numerous occasions with representatives of Kingstonian and struggled to find a site of the size Kingstonian needs. I’m open to anyone to come to me with suggestions.

"There is a sense that we have been here before and had to rescue Kingstonian. We all know that we are limited by the land and we are limited by the money."

Coun Jon Tolley clarified his views after the meeting.

He said: “It is my belief that, to some, the loss of Kingstonian is as significant as the loss of All Saints. That is not to suggest that I don’t value All Saints.  It’s actually to say how highly I think of Kingstonian.

"He knew what I meant and it’s sad it’s come to this.”

Last month a developer approached the council with plans to build a football pitch at the site of the Chessington Golf Centre in Garrison Lane which closed down about a fortnight ago.

Proud Ks supporter Jamie Cutteridge - who presented the petition to the council - said:  "The decisions made over the next few months and years, by you, our elected councillors, are going to define the next 100 years of Kingstonian. This is Kingstonian. Keep Ks in Kingston."