THE BOSSES at East Thurrock United have expressed their anger over reports that there are "doubts" over their move to the Billet Field in Stanford-le-Hope.
After discussing the matter at a recent cabinet meeting, Thurrock Council issued a press release.
In April 2014 Cabinet agreed to sell Billet Field in Stanford Le Hope to East Thurrock United Football Club (ETUFC) so that they could develop new sporting facilities and relocate. However this agreement was subject to them getting planning consents for housing on their existing ground and for sports facilities on Billet Field.
The tone of the press release, was that, the metaphorical ball is now in East Thurrock to put a planning application in.
So it was with surprise and anger that the Rookery Hill bosses reacted when they read headlines in the Thurrock Gazette, that there were "doubts" over the sale.
So, YT asked Thurrock Council whether there were any doubts in their mind?
A spokesperson for Thurrock Council said: "There is no current intention to re-open the completed negotiations. The council’s concern is to ensure that the club’s plans are still progressing at the right pace, and the summer gives us the opportunity to review that.
We asked the same question of East Thurrock United
The secretary, Neil Speight said: "The Gazette as jumped the gun with an ill-informed and unresearched article, going to press with a story without even having the courtesy to speak to the people involved.
"In this instance, I have had to contact the Gazette, a publication which is fully entitled to do what it wants, but should realise it has a responsibility to be as accurate as possible. I am now grateful to reporter Neil Hawkins who has assured my that this statement will be published in full.
"As for the facts: East Thurrock United and Thurrock Council appreciate each other’s position and as it has been a year since a price was set for the sale of this land, which was agreed by the Cabinet, it is only realistic and fair that the price be reviewed so the ratepayers of Thurrock get best value.
"Where is the doubt in that?
