The boss of Maidstone town centre has hailed Maidstone United’s homecoming as a winner for the local economy.

The club returned to their own stadium in the county town for the first time in nearly a quarter of a century this summer and league attendances have averaged more than 1,500. The Stones are currently the fifteenth best-supported club in non-league football and these crowds have had a positive benefit to local shops and businesses.

Bill Moss, Maidstone Town Centre Manager, said “There is a real buzz around the town, particularly on match days. We know when the Stones are home by the huge throng kitted out in black and amber. The attendances have been amazing and the town is really benefitting from that. The stadium’s close proximity to the town centre has encouraged a number of people to pop into pubs, restaurants and shops before or after home games. That has been a welcome boost to the local economy and I know a number of proprietors are grateful for that.”

Bill Williams, Maidstone United chief executive, added “Attendances at the Gallagher Stadium have surpassed all our expectations and it is pleasing that there has been a knock-on benefit to the town centre. It’s a two-way relationship with a number of businesses showing their support to us through advertising or sponsorship. You could say it’s a win-win situation.”

The completion of the £2.6million Gallagher Stadium was cited as one of the reasons why Maidstone has seen renewed interest by investors in the recently-published Kent Property Report 2012 – a review produced by Kent County Council, property consultants Cluttons and inward investment promotion agency Locate in Kent.

The Gallagher Stadium hosts its first FA Carlsberg Trophy fixture this weekend. The Stones entertain Ryman Premier side Whitehawk on Saturday, kick off 15:00. Gates open at 13:00 and people are advised to arrive early with another bumper crowd expected.