MP's alternative for U's training ground
July 10, 2009 12:00 AM
Colchester United
Colchester MP Bob Russell has proposed to the Borough Council an alternative location for a training ground for Colchester United Football Club - with two suggested sites within walking distance of the Community Stadium in preference to a 30-mile round trip to Club owner Mr Robbie Cowling's wish to locate it at Tiptree.
Mr Russell, who played a pivotal role in getting the new Stadium built at Cuckoo Farm next to the A12 Northern By-Pass, has written to the Council to suggest that the training ground should either be located on Council-owned farm land next to the Cuckoo Farm Arts Studios or at the nearby Mile End Recreation Ground.
He said: "It is obvious that a training centre for Colchester United at Tiptree would be a serious odds with the Council's 'green' credentials. The merits or otherwise of a training centre at Tiptree are a matter of opinion; wasteful travel, and Colchester's proud 'green' credentials and ambitions, must take priority. I therefore hope that either of my suggestions can be implemented."
The Town MP's first alternative suggestion is that the Borough Council makes available land it owns to the north of the Northern By-Pass for a training pitch. "Buildings associated with a training centre could be build adjoining the farm complex which comprises the Cuckoo Farm Studios, thus retaining the rural feel of the area. A longish lease would enable the U's to invest in the project. The site is within a few minutes walk of the Community Stadium, the other side of the bridge in Boxted Road over the A12."
Mr Russell's second alternative suggestion is that the Council allows the Football Club to use the pitches on the existing Mile End Recreation Ground, just a short distance from the Community Stadium via Boxted Road and Ford's Lane.
He explained: "Previous proposals by the Council were for additional football pitches to be provided on adjoining fields forming part of Braiswick Farm. Indeed, the new pavilion was so located as to be in a central position when additional land was added to the Mile End Recreation Ground. I hope that this is still Council policy. I suggest that a combination of this and a training centre required by the U's could be constructed as a joint project, to the mutual benefit of the Football Club and the community."
Mr Russell said that representations he had received - from two large junior football clubs - indicated that there is a shortage of football pitches in the town.
He added: "I think either alternative suggestion is preferable to Colchester United having a training ground at Tiptree."
Mr Russell said that if a training ground was established at Cuckoo Farm North he would still like to see Mile End Recreation Ground extended. "There is a need for more sports pitches in the town, and if land can be put to good recreational use rather than being built on then I am confident this residents in this part of Colchester would welcome this."
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