What next for Moss Farm: Q&A

12:00pm Tuesday 15th January 2008

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Q: What is Vale Royal Borough Council's reaction to the news that Witton Albion are no longer interested in being a part of Moss Farm's future?

A: The Hartford Moss Farm Joint Management Committee (JMC) has previously considered the potential for Witton to be based at Moss Farm and we have subsequently commissioned architectural and design work to show a site masterplan that allowed for this.

That masterplan has just been completed and the management committee had suggested that (a) the proposals needed to be subject to public consultation and (b) that more detailed work - for example traffic impact assessments, were also needed.

Witton's recent confirmation that they are no longer interested in Moss Farm will avoid the need for any potentially abortive work.

Early confirmation of the club's intentions gives the JMC clarity and good notice and will avoid any "wild goose chase".

To that extent their decision is welcome.

The establishment of a "performance" club at Moss Farm was something that the JMC recognised as potentially beneficial to the site.

The opportunity to link amateur sport, coaching opportunities, all weather training areas to a high-flying club would have had its merits.

Equally however, this sort of development on a site that already struggles, for example, to meet car parking capacity, located in a residential environment etc would have presented a variety of challenges.

The overall reaction therefore is mixed.

The main thing however is a removal of uncertainty and that is helpful.

Q: Where does their decision to withdraw from discussions leave plans to redevelop the site?

A: The site masterplanning (previously referred to) looked at two options.

One with a significant redevelopment of an enclosed pitch and one with a smaller stand but other improvements, for example increasing the number of small-sided pitches.

Instead of consulting site users and residents on two potential development options, we will consult on the one that does not include Witton.

The site is in need of investment and improvement.

That has to be undertaken in planned and coordinated way.

The development of the site needs to meet user needs, be acceptable to our local community, and above all, affordable.

If this plan is agreed then detailed design will have to take place on the various elements. Funding applications will need to be made.

The local authorities do not have a massive "savings account" and it will be a challenge to draw down cash especially with reducing lottery funds.

Q: What happens next?

A: See above. We will be consulting on our masterplan (without the Witton option).

That will happen very soon.