Text at top (next game etc)

Next Game: Scarborough In The League At Edgar Street On Tuesday 19th November At 7.45pm

Wednesday, March 04, 2015

Redditch Fall Out With Council


It looks as though Redditch FC have fallen out with their local council because the club wants a longer lease but doesn't want to pay an increased rent.

The club is considering installing a 3G pitch at the Valley and to this end have had discussions about their lease.

Currently they pay £2,000 per year, however the council want to put the rent up to £10,000 per year.

3G pitches have already been installed at several grounds, including Bedworth United, near Redditch.

"Unfortunately, the District Valuer is insisting the club pays five times its current rent, which would have a corresponding knock on effect with an increase in our corporate rates bill as well," chairman Chris Swan told the Redditch Advertiser.

"There is no way I am going to agree with this. Redditch United needs the same arrangement as Bedworth United have with their council. No better, no worse."

Swan said this was a reason why he looked for another ground for Redditch. One of those grounds was Edgar Street.

The cost of installing a 3G pitch at Redditch is reported to be about £750,000 but the cost could be reduced through grants. However without a longer lease it's unlikely to happen.

Former Hereford United chairman David Keyte recently said that installing a 3G pitch at Edgar Street might be a good idea as it would ensure the facilities both on and off the pitch would be more used. However given that the new lease is only for five years, this can't happen.