Leamington FC respond to Gypsy site proposal

Responding to an article in last week’s Courier which revealed that the New Windmill ground in Harbury Lane was earmarked as one of Warwick District Council’s ‘preferred options’ for a permanent site for Gypsies and travellers, Leamington FC’s board of directors issued a statement saying that the district council “accept that any such relocation of the club is conditional upon the clubs agreement, acknowledging its increased standing and role within the community”.

The statement also said: “The unexpected rapid development of the club since its re-birth in 2000 has highlighted the constraints of the existing site and led the board of directors to explore potential opportunities for a relocation nearer to the heart of the community in a facility that would be more accessible and meet the expanding needs of the club.

“We can assure fans that we will not pursue any course of action that would endanger the longevity, stability and ownership of the club.”

The district council’s executive committee on Wednesday approved a list of eight preferred options for the sites, which also include the hotly contested patch of land off the Fosse Way in Radford Semele, where the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre is sited.

A consultation inviting people across the district to submit their views will now take place during March nd April. To see the list of options and for updates on the consultation, see the ‘Planning’ section of the council’s website: www.warwickdc.gov.uk