Club delighted as ground is given protected status
BASE OF BIGGEST YOUTH SET-UP IN THE COUNTRY IS MADE ‘COMMUNITY ASSET’
THE country’s largest youth football club in West Bridgford has received a huge boost for its future development.
West Bridgford Colts’ ground in Regatta has been given the status of an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
It means that the owners of the ground must give the club a chance to put forward a proposal to buy the site if they do ever decide to sell.
The ACV allows certain groups to potentially buy an asset that enhances the social wellbeing and interests of the local community - but it doesn’t guarantee the ground will always be protected from sale.
If the owners did decide to sell, the ACV process includes a six-month moratorium period during which the owner cannot sell, so that the club has time to put together a bid.
Local politicians at Rushcliffe Borough Council have expressed their delight at the news. There was concern in August after the ground was earmarked in the Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan as a possible location for growth.
West Bridgford Colts provides more than 100 teams from under-fives to adults with 80,000 hours of sporting opportunities per year.
MP for Rushcliife Ruth Edwards said: “This is fantastic news. I’m delighted to hear that Rushcliffe Borough Council has deemed the ground an Asset of Community Value. This gives the club an opportunity to put forward a bid if the owner ever did decide to sell. It adds that extra layer of protection for the club.
“I look forward to supporting the club to expand further in the years ahead and I know the Colts will go from strength to strength.”
West Bridgford Colts have been at the Regatta Way site since 2007 and have invested heavily in upgrading the ground, including with the construction of the Tom Maccabee Stand which opened in 2015.
The club was recognised with Community Club status by the Football Association, the highest award under the FA’S Charter Standard programme.
Peter Stansbury, chairman of West Bridgford Colts said: “At a time when councils have so many challenges to deal with it is fantastic news that Rushcliffe Borough Council have approved our application to make Regatta Way Sports Ground an Asset of Community Value.
“RBC have always recognised the importance of youth sport in the community and by approving our application they are helping to ensure our club continues to provide 1,500 young people with the opportunity to play football and cricket. Now more than ever we need to ensure young people get access to the physical and mental health benefits of physical exercise. On behalf of our all our members thank you Rushcliffe Borough Council and Ruth Edwards for their support with this application.”
Councillor Jonathan Wheeler, Rushcliffe Borough Councillor for Gamston North added: “I am delighted that Rushcliffe Borough Council have recognised the importance of having the Colts here on Regatta Way. What Peter and the team of volunteers do is amazing, and the hundreds of kids who play here and enjoy the wonderful facilities will be able to keep doing so. The security of knowing the club has a chance to buy the land outright if the owner decided to sell is I am sure reassuring to everyone at the club.”
Councillor Roger Upton, Rushcliffe Borough Council portfolio holder for Housing and Planning and Conservative Nottinghamshire County Council candidate for Radcliffe on Trent Division said: “The ACV process was designed to recognise special assets which are of huge value to their communities, the Colt’s ground at Regatta Way is one such asset. Rushcliffe Borough Council has always supported grassroots sport and I look forward to working with Peter and his team.”
We need to ensure young people get the physical and mental health benefits of exercise.
Peter Stansbury