FC Darlaston move to new ground thrown into doubt
A football club’s hopes of moving to a new home could be scuppered after councillors challenged the decision.
Council bosses agreed to allow FC Darlaston to move to the Recreation Ground at Rough Hay in the town last month but that decision has now been called in by five councillors.
The club, which only formed two years ago, said it was “disappointed” by the challenge.
Chief executive Paul Foster said it was hoped the move would breathe new life into the Recreation Ground, which has been disused for years.
Walsall Council regeneration boss Councillor Adrian Andrew said the decision of cabinet members had been questioned as they had not considered the “social value and community investment” for the area when giving the club the go-ahead.
It will now be down to scrutiny councillors to make a final decision and look at whether alternative bidders for the Recreation Ground would bring a greater benefit to the area.
A meeting is due to be held on Thursday.
There are now fears FC Darlaston’s move to the Rec could be off.
The amateur side currently play at Bentley Youth Club in the West Midlands Regional League.
Mr Foster disputed claims the move would not benefit the area as the public would be invited to use the facilities.
He also said there were ambitions to re-open the Rec social club
He said: “I’m disappointed. We were the first past the finish post. All I’m concerned about is the community of Darlaston. FC Darlaston is community-focused, not just on football.
“We will be investing for the benefit and wellbeing on the local Rough Hay community, as well as the wider Darlaston community.”
Councillor Gurmeet Singh Sohal, one of the five who called in the decision, said he felt other bidders for the site, who have not been identified, may provide better options.
He said: “The other three organisations were in a better position and offered better services. We have to look at the long-term.”
Councillor Andrew, who is a member of the cabinet but was not present at the March meeting, said: “There was FC Darlaston and there was another two who came second and third. It will be down to the scrutiny panel.
“I want what is best for the Rec. It is an incredibly under-utilised facility and I want it to be used and not be closed as it has been for a number of years. In the interests of openness and transparency we need to make sure the evaluation is done correctly.”
