THE BATTLE to save troubled Brentford FC is set to be taken to the polls in May, as the clubs' fans will make history by standing against established councillors in the forthcoming local elections.

In an unprecedented move, action group BIAS (Brentford Independent Association of Supporters) has decided to put up their own candidates to contest more than ten different wards in Hounslow Borough.

By competing for votes in key areas, the fans hope to bring the plight of the cash-strapped second division club to the forefront of public awareness.

As yet, the supporters' group has not announced which wards they will contest, and they are currently asking for any Hounslow residents, and fans of Brentford FC, willing to become candidates to come forward.

''We're going to be deciding this month who is going to stand and which wards they will stand in,'' BIAS member Paul Stedman told the Times.

''We're asking for people to come forward who are willing to compete in the election. All we ask is that they live in the borough and have an interest in Brentford FC. We're hoping for at least ten people.

''We don't expect to suddenly run Hounslow Council. We just want to raise local awareness of what position the club is in and raise its profile in the borough. We want people to know what it going on.''

The Bees are enjoying a relatively strong season in the Nationwide Second Division - they are currently in sixth position - and have lost only one game to date at their home ground of Griffin Park.

But off the pitch the club is struggling financially, and is now in consultation with the council about selling Griffin Park, where they have played since 1904, for redevelopment and moving to another stadium. Other options are also under consideration.

Much of the trouble stems from the low gates attracted to matches this season. An average of just 6,500 fans have turned up to Griffin Park, which seats 12,763. The Bees claim they need around 10,000 a game just to break even.

The council planning draft confirms: ''Brentford's vision is to be one of the leading Premiere teams in the country within the next ten years.

The current ground and lack of associated income generating commercial facilities provided within it will hinder their ability to achieve this vision.''

A club spokesman went further and added: ''Without the ability to increase attendance and to diversify into providing for commercially viable related leisure activities, the future of the club and its range of activities in the borough is not certain, but is, instead, certain to fail.''

Brentford FC have lodged a planning application to build 45 houses and 92 flats with the council, who themselves have just put the finishing touches to their planning brief and are about to begin public consultation on the plans.

One option that will not now take place is for an interim groundshare with Queens Park Rangers while a new stadium is built. QPR announced this week that Fulham FC would be sharing Loftus Road while the Craven Cottage stadium is redeveloped.

Other solutions the council have suggested include keeping the stadium as it is - which they acknowledge is not a realistic option - redeveloping the site as a new sports stadium, or developing the site for residential and open space use.

Last week Brentford FC fans again made history when John McGlashan, chairman of the Bees United Supporters' Trust was appointed onto the board of directors, effectively handing supporters control of the club.

Majority shareholders Altonwood gave their entire holding to Bees United, who now take the lead role in negotiating with the council for a new stadium and the redevelopment of Griffin Park.

Following the appointment of Mr McGlashan to the Brentford FC board of directors, Brentford and Isleworth MP, Ann Keen, said: ''It is important that fans remain at the heart of any future debate on the plans for the club and I am pleased with the appointment of John McGlashan to the board, ensuring the views of the fans are heard.

''The work of the supporters has been tremendous during this difficult time and I pay great credit to their commitment and enthusiasm.

''The club must remain local as it is an important part of our community,'' she added.

A public meeting has been arranged for February 26th to be held in the main hall at Brentford School for Girls, Boston Manor Road, at 7pm, where residents will be invited to air their views on the planning application.