Skem’s future ‘at risk’ claim in eviction row
THE chairman of crisis-hit Skelmersdale United says the future of the club is at risk following its eviction from the Stormy Corner ground.
The club failed to agree a new lease and had been due to leave on November 19, only to be given an eviction notice on October 20.
Since then Skem have been allowed to play fixtures at Marine’s ground in Crosby and are due to fulfil the rest of this season’s fixtures at Prescot Cables.
In a lengthy statement released on Tuesday night, club chairman Paul Griffiths said that the ground’s owner, Chequer Properties, had refused to grant access for club officials to collect playing kit and emergency medical equipment.
He also stated that the shock eviction caused the cancellation of several booked events – including one wedding reception – and the loss of 10 jobs.
Chequer said that the eviction was served as a result of breaches to the lease of the stadium, including subletting – without the landlords’ consent – parts of the property to become a scrap yard and a taxi office and charging the premises to an agency.
Responding to new allegations that the firm was deliberately avoiding allowing access, a spokesman cited numerous problems, including police investigations of criminal damage; multiple claims of ownership to the same goods and assets; and unauthorised occupiers.
Mr Griffiths is now appealing for the help from the community to get through the difficult period and preserve the future of the 135-year-old football club.
He said: “The management board at Skelmersdale United FC would like to thank all those who have dedicated themselves to supporting this great community club.
“The club has provided a platform for the past 135 years for the careers of many ambitious young footballers, and some of them have gone on to great heights both domestically and abroad.
“[Chequer’s] actions on the day of our eviction caused mayhem and great distress, not only for us but many of you in the community, the club had a surprise party booking for that evening for a very prominent local fundraiser and a very large wedding reception the following day, all of which had to be hastily cancelled and other venue arrangements made.
“Bookings for the rest of the month have had to be cancelled, the knock-on effect has been great indeed, not least the fact that at least 10 people have lost employment, and our trade with other businesses in the locality will be severely restricted or will cease.
“Up to and including the present day, we have always been well supported by our local business community, not least at the moment by our main sponsor, Messenger Express, and this support has ensured our survival so far.
“For the past 12 years the club has had only two minor incidents involving minor petty criminal damage, yet in the past two weeks the club premises, having had the locks changed by the landlord, has been broken in to and had on several occasions during that time suffered major criminal damage.”
He added: “We would be very grateful, if any within the community could offer us any additional support to assist us through this difficult time, even a few more bodies through the gate on match days helps, buy a club lottery ticket, your support will be appreciated and is much needed.
“We are doing our best to make sure that Skelmersdale United FC continues to be part of your community for many more years to come, so please offer whatever you can to help.”
A spokesman for Chequer Properties said: “Both parties in this matter are incorporated, properly represented by suitably qualified lawyers practicing within registered solicitors offices.
“The lease expires naturally on November 17, 2017.
“The important legal document contains standard terms and conditions and is regulated by the law of property statutes.
“In preparation for the lease end date, the landlord arranged for surveys of the property. A schedule of dilapidations has been prepared, costed and was served on the tenant June 27, 2017.
“Also on June 27, the tenant was formally informed of alleged breaches of specific lease covenants during their occupation. Both the schedule of dilapidations and lease breaches were confirmed as notice.”