Aldershot Town's EBB Stadium is being considered as the new home for a restored Second World War field gun. Rushmoor Borough Council has shortlisted the football ground as one of four potential locations for the Ordnance QF 25-pounder, which has been in storage since 2022.

Councillor Gareth Williams, Leader of Rushmoor Borough Council, said the authority is keen to find a permanent site. "We are really keen to restore this important British infantry field gun to a new, permanent home, and we invite all of our residents to let us know where you think it should be," Williams said.

The shortlisted sites

Option one is outside the EBB Stadium, which the council says would position the gun at a main gateway into the town, visible to matchday visitors. Option two is a return to its previous spot outside Aldershot railway station, where it stood from 1999 to 2022. The third option is at the bottom of Gun Hill, opposite the library, to strengthen links with the Wellesley community. Option four is Princes Gardens, an area with existing military memorials. A fifth option invites residents to suggest alternative locations.

The council is assessing sites based on visibility, land ownership, and accessibility. Placing the gun at the stadium is seen as fitting alongside a well-used community venue. The gun, a principal field gun-howitzer used by British and Commonwealth forces, has been fully restored while in storage.

Club and community context

The consultation comes as Aldershot Town prepare for their next National League fixture at the EBB Stadium. The Shots, currently 12th in the table with 18 points from 13 games, host 19th-placed Wealdstone on 24 October. Their recent form has been mixed, with two wins and three defeats in their last five outings, including a 5-3 victory over Norwich City U21s last time out.

Williams linked the project to the town's broader military identity. "Following our successful hosting of Armed Forces Day National Event this year, we are committed to continuing to celebrate our heritage as a military town, which we want everyone to join us in being proud of," he said.

Residents can participate in the consultation via the council's website. The final decision will determine where this symbol of Aldershot's military heritage will be permanently displayed for future generations.

Read the full report at hellorayo.co.uk