‘Football pitch must remain in local use’ (From Gazette)

‘Football pitch must remain in local use’

8:00pm Wednesday 17th March 2010 in

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POLITICIANS have waded into the row over Wivenhoe Town Football Club’s ground.

The club was locked out of the Broad Lane ground last week after the Wivenhoe and District Sporting Facilities Trust, which manages the site, said a deadline to pay outstanding rent had passed.

Club officials have offered to pay up, but the trust has not accepted the cash.

North Essex MP Bernard Jenkin and Wivenhoe county councillor Julie Young have called for a deal to be reached.

Mrs Young has admitted she was aware of the trust’s plan the day before the gates to Broad Lane were locked.

She said: “I was heavily involved with the trust and the football club during the winter of 2008 until the spring of 2009 and I know there were problems.

“I was briefed the day before the eviction happened.

“I have written to the trust and asked about the timing of the decision.

“It’s regrettable it didn’t happen at the end of the season, when it would have given more flexibility.”

Mrs Young called on Colchester Council, which owns the ground, to intervene.

She said: “I feel the borough council has a responsibility to make sure this club survives.

“A lot of local people got enjoyment at the club.”

Tory MP Mr Jenkin, the football club’s patron, said he needed to speak to the trust before deciding what action to take, but added he was determined the ground should continue to be used by locals.

He said: “The objective must be these sporting facilities are available to the community.

“I am gathering information. I’ve heard one side of the story from the chairman of the club.

“I want to have a proper conversation with the trust and I am sure the trust will give reasons for its actions.”

More than 1,700 people have joined the Save Wivenhoe Town Football Club Facebook group.

Hundreds of supporters are expected to march through Wiv-enhoe on Saturday at 12.30pm against the ground closure.

The team are due to play Ely City on Saturday, but will have to find an alternative venue if they are not allowed into the ground.