Liberal Democrats challenge Labour to secure Brentford Football Club's future

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sun 30th Sep 2001

Andrew Dakers, concerned at Hounslow Council’s inability to act promptly and secure Brentford Football Club’s future

Liberal Democrats took the plight of football clubs, including Brentford and Wimbledon, onto the national stage last week. An emergency debate was dedicated to Franchising in Football at the Party's annual conference in Bournemouth.

Brentford-born Liberal Democrat Andrew Dakers told the conference:

"I love the Club and recognise its importance to the local community's culture and economy".

In a nationally televised debate Andrew spoke against aspects of the motion that would threaten Brentford FC's survival. Conference delegates supported moves to refer the motion to a Federal Policy Committee. The party will now consider a full review of the football industry and develop innovative solutions to the problems many clubs face.

BROKEN PROMISES

In the last Local Elections Hounslow Labour Party stated: "Every effort will have been made to develop a 25,000 seat multi-purpose stadium in the Borough." Apart from the inappropriate size of stadium, do you believe every effort has been made? Unfortunately the lack of initiative in addressing the problems faced by Brentford Football Club are simply one more page in a catalogue of failure from Hounslow Council's ruling Labour group.

POSITIVE ACTION

Liberal Democrat Councillors on Hounslow Borough Council have already established a reputation for working hard in their local communities. Brentford Lib Dems believe:

• Transition to supporter/ community ownership of Brentford FC should be proactively supported by the Council over the next few years;

• The Council and FC must be open and honest about their respective needs and aspirations. Project timeframe requires pragmatic assessment and prompt agreement by both sides;

• Councillors should consider selling Feltham Arenas and reinvesting the capital raised in an alternative site;

• Brownfield sites closer to Griffin Park should be investigated;

• Proactive management of all stages of this project is now essential.