Leamington FC have issued the following statement regarding their New Windmill Ground being a possible site for Gypsies And Travellers.
The statement is as follows:
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.....club Leamington has been in dialogue with Warwick District Council (WDC) over a number of years looking at opportunities whereby the club could possibly re-locate back to a more central position within the town and improve the community facilities that it offers. As the club have climbed the football Pyramid and grown as a club, the suitability of its current New Windmill Ground to deliver spectator and community access and needs has proved ever more challenging. The club have aspirations and a belief that it can climb further, both on the field of play and in its activities within and for the benefit of the community. Indeed, it will shortly announce a successful grant funding application for £19,000 funds and £25,000 total spend aimed specifically at work within the community over the coming year. Access to this funding is likely to continue for many years. This is a dynamic example of progress the club are making. The Board of Directors recognised the developing situation with regard to the limitations and scope there is to develop its current facilities. Hence, it has entered into discussions at executive level with Warwick District Council, regarding opportunities for a potential relocation. At the same time the club also recognises its paramount duty to ensure the continuing security of the club for shareholders, fans and the wider community. The club are fully aware of all the hard work and commitment that has been put into the New Windmill Ground over the years by a large number of dedicated individuals, including past and present Directors, and it is down to all this hard work that has put the club in a position whereby it could potentially return to a superior location with much improved facilities. With regard to the specific issue of Warwick District Council listing, the football ground as one of its preferred options for future use as a Gypsy and Traveller site, the club`s position has not altered. The club formally objected to such a proposal, as was discussed with fans and shareholders at the open forum held on 11th April, following the initial news that it had been listed as a preferred option. The club have again formally re-iterated that stance with Warwick District Council today. To be absolutely clear, the club will not willingly leave the NWG site unless a new site which fully meets the club's future needs has been identified, acquired and developed to the club's complete satisfaction, thereby enabling the club to take occupation and control of a newly built, financially viable stadium and related community facilities, before any steps are taken by the Council or other body to take occupation of the NWG site. Chris Elliott, Chief Executive of WDC, was interviewed on BBC CWR this morning, and confirmed that the NWG would not be used for a G&T site if a suitable alternative site could not be found within the new Local Plan. His words were: “The worst case scenario is that the football club stays where it is”. His words are a clear reaffirmation of verbal and written assurances that he has previously given to the club on behalf of Warwick District Council Leamington are a progressive football club and the duty as a Board of Directors is to continue to explore all opportunities to develop the club, whilst at the same time ensuring the club`s longevity and future security. The Board have always been transparent with shareholders and fans, and will continue to do so through shareholder meetings and fans forums as necessary.
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