FoBC latest: press release - 27 November 2003
FoBC reacts to planning application
Supporters’ pressure group, the Friends of Bootham Crescent (FoBC) have reacted with sadness to the planning application made by York City FC to re-develop Huntington Stadium, but have vowed to re-double their efforts to fight for a solution to keep the club at Bootham Crescent instead.
FoBC spokesperson Ian Savage commented “We know the board of York City have worked wonders in keeping the club afloat, and we also acknowledge that the re-development of Huntington Stadium is something that they have had no option but be forced to accept. However, this does not mean that FoBC is prepared to give up a fight we believe can still be won, which is to return the ownership of the Bootham Crescent ground to York City.” He went on to say, “The whole re-location scheme is dependent upon planning applications being passed for both sites, and we strongly believe that there are extremely good reasons in planning law for the Bootham Crescent application to be thrown out. We are yet to view the detailed plans for the Huntington application, but we will comment on those as well once we have examined it, and we will consider whether we will submit an objection. In the meanwhile, there is a long time before it will be possible for the bulldozers move into Bootham Crescent, and we will be very active in campaigning against that ever becoming necessary.”
The planning application made by Persimmon Homes to build 93 homes on Bootham Crescent has provoked a record number of objections being lodged with the City of York Council. FoBC held several high-profile demonstrations at Persimmon Homes’ sites earlier this year, and have indicated that these may be extended into a full-blown national direct action campaign against the Housebuilder. Savage commented, “We have given Persimmon a taste of what they can expect if they press ahead with plans to bulldoze Bootham Crescent, and they didn’t like it one bit. We have given them the opportunity to re-consider their position, and we remain hopeful that they will withdraw from the project.” He went on to say, “Now is the time for them to state their intentions once and for all, but FoBC is fully committed to fighting them all the way if we have to.”
Meanwhile, FoBC will be out in force at this Saturday’s home game against Swansea. The group has volunteered to once again shake collection buckets at the match to raise extra funds for the York City Supporters Trust. “FoBC were approached by the Trust when it was revealed that the cost of hosting the forthcoming AGM and Board elections would be around £4,000. York fans at home matches have a brilliant history of digging deep when asked, and we hope that supporters will once again contribute to the brilliant work of the Trust “ commented Savage. “Nobody should feel that they must make a donation, but we will really appreciate any contributions, large or small.”
The FoBC bucket collectors will also be present at the Trust AGM at the Grand Opera House collecting voluntary donations.