Local councillors said . . .
In January 2003 we asked our elected local representatives for their views on the situation at Bootham Crescent.
We asked:
- Do you support professional football staying at the Bootham Crescent ground?
- Do you think planning permission should be granted for a change of use to housing for Bootham Crescent?
- Do think that York City FC are likely to be successful at the Huntington Stadium?
- If York City FC moves from Bootham Crescent should the ground still be designated as a sports facility?
- Would you support the City of York Council in the compulsory purchase of the Bootham Crescent ground?
We stated that the responses given would be included on this website. We also invited councillors to add any further comments they wished to make not covered by the above.
Our emailed document gave background information on the situation. Read the full text.
Councillor Janet Hopton (Independent, Upper Poppleton ward)
"I am responding to the questionnaire you circulated to Councillors.
A. I do support the continuation of professional football in York, and at Bootham Crescent, until an alternative better venue is available.
B & D. As I may be on the Planning Committee which considers any application for change of use to housing for Bootham Crescent, I am unable to answer questions B and D. However, if the Club moved from Bootham Crescent, in order to retain the ground as a sports facility, probably a need would have to be demonstrated and a user and management group identified.
C. I would need further information to form an opinion on whether the Huntingdon Stadium is suitable, if this becomes a serious option. I do realise that it would need upgrading to Football Association standards, and note your views on traffic problems, inadequate facilities, and possible decline in attendance.
E. The position re compulsory purchase of Bootham Crescent does not seem to be clear yet - whether or not C.Y.C. could, if it wished, use this power."
Councillor John Galvin (Conservative, Copmanthorpe ward - Leader of the Conservative Group)
"I have read your questionnaire and am unable to complete. I have been engaged over the past few weeks in discussions with a whole range of people in an attempt to save the Club. Your questionnaire is far too simplistic. There are a number of complicated issues that cannot be quantified by your questionnaire. I do respect your intentions but I am afraid there are issues which are tending to become insurmountable."
Councillor Stephen Galloway (Liberal Democrat, Foxwood ward - Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group)
Do you support professional football staying at the Bootham Crescent ground?
"Bootham Crescent would seem no to be the only available option, at least in the short term, if the Football Club is to survive. Unless a bidder comes forward over the next few days who is prepared to invest £1 million in the Club then it will fold.
Our understanding is that the only 2 bidders are still left in the running and that they will only pursue their interest if they re able to develop Bootham Crescent at some time in the future.. At that stage the Club would have to move to a new stadium."
Do you think planning permission should be granted for a change of use to housing for Bootham Crescent?
"Members of the planning committee are prevented by