20/06/14
On a personal note I would like to add how depressing, demoralising and saddening I have found the whole process.
Steve Easterbrook
Whilst not actually being privy to the recent press announcements, on the positive side it looks like that between the DfE and Slough Borough Council, a decision has been made with regards to the Arbour Vale site. However on a personal note I would like to add how depressing, demoralising and saddening I have found the whole process.
As most people are aware, we were asked seven years ago to deliver a scheme which was self-funded, achieved various goals and one which met a large number of community benefits. Despite an unbelievable amount of red tape and many obstacles, we delivered a scheme which was warmly welcomed by both the Council and residents of Slough. Indeed it achieved many of the objectives that local and central government are always referring to.
As you can imagine, the expense and time taken (over approximately five years) to get to that position was considerable. However, in April 2012, and following the completion of all the site assessments and with the planning application being readied for finalisation, events took place which quite frankly astounded and saddened me.
Since April 2012, the DfE and Slough Council have effectively been at loggerheads with regards to the site. A compromise appears to have been found and the club have been aware of the situation. Ruth Bagley, the Council's Chief Executive, continues to confirm that ‘members' aspirations to provide a site for STFC remain as they were’. The Council have also confirmed ‘that part of the land at Arbour Vale is earmarked for development for community sports facilities’ - which is actually consistent with the club's aspirations of returning home and creating a community facility for the whole of Slough to enjoy.
The situation was and is of course very sensitive, but as and when I get more information I will of course let you know.
Seven years to get to this point...
As most people are aware, we were asked seven years ago to deliver a scheme which was self-funded, achieved various goals and one which met a large number of community benefits. Despite an unbelievable amount of red tape and many obstacles, we delivered a scheme which was warmly welcomed by both the Council and residents of Slough. Indeed it achieved many of the objectives that local and central government are always referring to.
As you can imagine, the expense and time taken (over approximately five years) to get to that position was considerable. However, in April 2012, and following the completion of all the site assessments and with the planning application being readied for finalisation, events took place which quite frankly astounded and saddened me.
Since April 2012, the DfE and Slough Council have effectively been at loggerheads with regards to the site. A compromise appears to have been found and the club have been aware of the situation. Ruth Bagley, the Council's Chief Executive, continues to confirm that ‘members' aspirations to provide a site for STFC remain as they were’. The Council have also confirmed ‘that part of the land at Arbour Vale is earmarked for development for community sports facilities’ - which is actually consistent with the club's aspirations of returning home and creating a community facility for the whole of Slough to enjoy.
The situation was and is of course very sensitive, but as and when I get more information I will of course let you know.
Seven years to get to this point...
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