WITTON Albion have announced they will end a ground-share agreement with Northwich Victoria at the end of the current campaign.

In a short statement issued on Monday morning, chairman Mark Harris said he would not at this stage say why.

However their Northern Premier League Division One North rivals will be allowed to play their remaining matches at Wincham Park this season.

It leaves Vics with three weeks to find a pitch they can play on next term to meet a deadline of March 31.

“Witton Albion can today announce that the ground-sharing agreement with Northwich Victoria is not being renewed next season,” reads the statement.

“Matches will continue to be played at the Wincham Park for the rest of the current campaign subject to all contract terms being met.”

The Guardian understands Vics do not owe rent, and that is not the reason for Witton’s decision.

Albion informed their tenants they will be evicted in a letter dated today, Monday, although there has been dialogue between the two clubs over the past few days.

They agreed terms for a ground-share at the start of last year, confirming an initial three-year arrangement in February.

An annual review was built in, and Harris told the Guardian in November the board could reconsider if Vics remained on course to be promoted.

However that too can be ruled out as a motive for ending the rivals' relationship this summer.

“So far, the relationships has been fine - indeed the main challenge that has been thrown up is when games have taken place close to one another,” he said at the time.

“Our ground-staff have been brilliant to get the pitch ready on those occasions.

“The financial element of the agreement is inescapable too; other than the money we take at the turnstile for our games, it’s the most substantial source of income we have.

“But we must take a considered view of all factors.”

It is not known what will happen to Northwich – for example, if they can be promoted as champions or if they could contest the play-offs should they finish in the top five – if they do not find an alternative ground on which to host opponents [next season].

On Sunday, the league confirmed that Vics have had nine points taken from their total as punishment for fielding an ineligible player – goalkeeper Mason Springthorpe – in four fixtures earlier this season.

The club, after the sanction was confirmed following an appeal hearing, have said they will seek arbitration to resolve the dispute.

That could delay the campaign's conclusion.

They defeated title-rivals Warrington Town on the field at the weekend, but trail Yellows by 19 points – with three games in hand – following the deduction.