Stompond Lane sports ground has been sold to developers for £23million by Elmbridge Council.

The former home of Walton and Hersham FC and Walton Athletic has been vacant since both clubs moved to the state-of-the-art Xcel Sports Hub in Waterside Drive, which is owned by the council.

London Square agreed to buy the site in November 2015, subject to planning approval, and the sale was completed on February 28.

Leader of the council Stuart Selleck said: “The council relocated the two clubs from Stompond Lane to the purpose-built Xcel Sports Hub, which has been built by the council using the sale proceeds of Stompond Lane, at no extra cost to the council tax payer.

“This sale of the site represents the end of a long journey to deliver better facilities for four local sports clubs as well ensuring we achieved best value for Elmbridge council tax payers.”

The council expects residential development to begin on the 7.8-acre site in May.