REDS IN AGONY AS STADIUM MOVE IS SHELVED
THE coronavirus crisis has forced BetVictor Northern North West Division club Colne to call a halt to plans to move to a brand new stadium.
The Reds announced over the weekend that the onset of the Covid-19 outbreak and the termination of their Step 4 campaign had put paid to plans to leave Holt House for a new 5,000capacity stadium, at least for now.
The two-year-old project – which includes an artificial pitch, bar area, function and changing rooms and a second grass pitch – will be restarted as soon as the public health crisis is brought under control and football returns.
Colne chairman Ryan Haigh also warned fans in a statement updating them on the club’s health that they may still need any prayers they can spare to come through the global pandemic, with or without a new home.
He said: “Unfortunately our stadium plans are now on hold. Two years of hard work with council officers, planners and local businesses has been halted by this horrible virus.
“The community benefits alone dictate this is a project we still plan to deliver if it is still viable and when we are all ready and able to start our lives again.
“As the proud custodian of Colne FC, we must keep our eyes on the economic implications and pray we have a club to return to.”
After enduring an indifferent league season and numerous weatherrelated postponments, the Reds were 15th in the table when the season was suspended nearly a month ago and subsequently ended.
Under manager Steve Cunningham, they did come within 90 minutes of reaching the first round proper of the FA Cup before being beaten 5-0 by Gateshead in the fourth qualifying round.