What can supporters proactively do about the Camrose

Understand the frustration, and the high emotion. But the Camrose now is history, the decision is not going to change, and it is time to move forward, which to me is where all the energy should now be directed. Primarily, of, course, to find a grass surface somewhere near the town. Until the funds arrive, the plans mature, and vision becomes reality, Hartley Wintney ground share anyone?   

I believe the national publicity option was considered (from what I had heard) but maybe felt it wasn't necessary at the time, however I think it is now.  If the council are not going to back us then we need other significant people behind us to highlight the issue and dare I say maybe look at crowdfunding to help support any legal costs.  As we have seen on twitter there are a number of high profile people that may get the ball rolling. Also with the Fair Game organisation starting to build momentum, I would have thought our case couldn't have come at a better time.  There are so many clubs which have been in a similar situation who maybe willing to help our cause in some way.
After watching 'Ours', a documentary produced by Michael Calvin for BT Sports reflecting on the struggles of clubs like Bury, Rushton and Diamonds, AFC Wimbledon and others, he is somebody who I would like to get involved. 

To my knowledge Steve I don't think it does otherwise the decision would not have been made before the ACV outcome was known but I would love to be proved wrong. My concern is that the clock is ticking and Basron are probably all systems go to start building before any objections can be made.  Does anyone know if we still have a chance of being compensated for our loss or has that also gone.  Not that I have seen it but the feasibility study that Mike Gillen put together was well received by the council and had lots of out social benefits for the area, why can't they see how investing in the project would have multiple benefits rather than more housing.  I understand that we haven't got a 5 year plan for housing but there a number of the office buildings in the chineham business park have been changed to flats, the tall office blocks near the station are being redeveloped, it amazes me. This is an interesting tweet 

Maria Miller: tweeted 10/5/22

#Basingstoke has built 4x more new homes than other communities in England for over 20yrs-

@simonbound

is right “enough is enough” That’s why I want

@basingstokegov

new Local Plan to prioritise supporting the large number of new build estates to become strong communities


Simon Bound: tweeted 9/5/22 at 9.32am

I’ve said it before . Enough of this high octane build build build, enough is enough, we’ve done more than our fair share. I commit to supporting our residents, protecting what our residents value and protecting the environment and landscapes that we all enjoy.

I was also informed that a National Campaign was going to happen at some point. In fact during one of the Covid lockdowns the club held a zoom meeting. The club asked members for any questions, I put two questions forward. Come the night,
Only two questions had been put forward both mine. One of those questions was are you going to do a National campaign and I stand to be corrected I was told yes. I wish I had videoed the meeting now. Yet it never happened. I want the club to thrive and I was firmly behind Save The Camrose as was the very small group I was in but this was an own goal imo of massive proportions. Sadly The Camrose has gone but me and others are already badgering BDBC on the matter of a replacement ground. I have already emailed our MP and a whole host of councillors, have copied in club officials so they can see along with the gazette. If you haven’t seen take a look at Bury North MP James Daly Conservative. There are plenty of YouTube videos) on what he has done and completed on saving Bury FC from a fete like Basingstoke. Even videos of him raising the issue in the Houses of Parliament.

Rob, don’t give up. In fact Any Basingstoke fans should not give up. Whilst the Camrose is gone we know that staying at Winklebury is not an option long term. The club needs a ground of their own. Now is a very good time for fans, friends and neighbours to keep emailing councillors in this town to keep the pressure up on them and keep the subject alive. If the people of this town and club fans let this go too quiet it will slither away and nothing will get done which I feel is typical of this town.

I have sent two emails already this week alone with facts and figures of other councils around the U.K. showing the sort of help given to clubs who were in a very similar position to Basingstoke. Some councils (Conservatives) have even bought grounds owned by greedy developers with one thing in mind and given them back to the football clubs so they don’t die! I have responses back from Andy McCormick, Nick Robinson, Colin Phillimore and Ken Rhatigan (several email exchanges), Maria Miller will get back to me as I have received notice of that.  I have had nothing so far from the new council leader Simon Bound or the Portfolio Holder for Sport Rebecca Bean. The Gazette are fully aware as they are copied into the emails sent so they know who is doing what. I have questioned the Councillors desires on the lack of help for the Camrose and how much desire they have for helping with a new ground. I’m not the only one contributing to these emails, however, it’s the same old few people voicing their concerns when this town needs hundreds if not a few thousand to stand up. The problem is, this town is a sleepy town and right now not many seem to have the fight, maybe because it does not effect them but if this does not get sorted the club will be stuck league locked at Winklebury and in years to come those people it does not effect now may well come into play and start questioning why they club cannot go up and why they have not got a ground of their own! That will be too late. 

Rhatigan has said this town needs a debate on its provision for sport in the future and agrees with me that the football club and stadium needs to come first. I have that in a reply email. The debate just needs to be set up.

I urge you all get involved keep our councillors on their toes and it will lead to something. Do nothing and you will get exactly nothing.

Sent to 24 people , including councillors, MP, Mayoress, Gazette and Football club

Below is a list of 22 football clubs around the U.K. All play in leagues from the division above where Basingstoke play. They come from all different towns and cities and the common denominator is that all their stadiums are all owned by the local council. In fact some of those Councils including Conservative Councils unlike our own here in Basingstoke quickly realised the need to save their towns football teams from disappearing away by greedy developers who sought to kick their towns football clubs out of their ground/stadiums to build houses on for profit. You can see below the stories that go with those football clubs who received help and you will notice that several councils even bought the grounds back off of developers and in some cases given the grounds back to the football clubs to run.

At the time of putting this list together 8 of those clubs are in Professional Football League (yes Basingstoke Councillors I did really say that).

1 club plays in the Championship, 5 clubs play in EFL League Division 1 (1 of which is a former European Cup Competition Winner) and 3 in EFL League Division 2.

7 Clubs play in the National League. Some of which operate as full time professionals.

3 Clubs play in National League South

4 Clubs play in the National League North

The football clubs below with a few added statistics for you ponder over before you bin the email if you already haven’t.

Swindon Town FC - EFL Division League 1
Ground Owner - Swindon Borough Council (Conservative Lead)
Capacity - 15,728
Note - The ground is on Swindon Borough Council land and the club pay rent. 
Population - 222.193 (mid year 2019)
(Conservative)

Ipswich Town FC - EFL League Division 1
Ground Owner - Ipswich Borough Council 
Capacity - 30,311
Population - 133.384 (2021/22)
(Labour)

Doncaster Rovers FC - EFL League Division 1 
Ground Owners - Doncaster Rovers
Capacity - 15,231
Note - On 19 June 2012, it was confirmed that Doncaster Rovers had secured a 99 year lease from Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council to lead management of the stadium with a view to improving operating results across the stadium sports partnerships.
Population - 109.805 (Mid 2019)
(Labour)

Hull City - EFL Championship
Ground Owner - Hull City Council
Capacity - 24,500 
Note - Football and Rugby Stadium. 
The council provided most of the funds, more than £42 million, with the rest stemming from government regeneration grants and from the Football Stadium Improvement Fund.
Population - 323.250 (2022)
(Labour)

Northampton Town FC - Sixfields Stadium - EFL League 1
Ground Owner - Northampton Borough Council. 
Capacity - 7,798 all seater
Notes - Local Council loan the club £10.25m for a new stand (Note just a stand).
Population - 225.100 (mid 2018)
(Conservative)

Fleetwood Town FC - Highbury Stadium - EFL League 1
Ground Owner - Landlords Wrye Borough Council
Capacity - 5,327
Population - 225.100 (mid 2018)
(Labour)

Colchester Utd - EFL Division League 2
Ground Owner - Colchester Borough Council
Capacity - 10,064
Notes - Layer Road (Colchester’s old ground) was sold back to Colchester Borough Council in the early 1990’s for £1.2 million to help clear the clubs debts, as Colchester Utd leased the stadium back. The council then started to identify and investigate potential sites for a new stadium. In the meantime, the club refreshed the stadium ahead of the 1996/97 season with the Clock End all seated and covered. With the lease due to expire in 2002, a company were commissioned as consultants for a new stadium in 1998. A preferred site at Cuckoo Farm in Colchester was identified with additional benefit being that the land was already Council owned. Colchester Council backed the £14.23 million project taking a £10.23 million loan with the remaining £4 million supplied in the form of grants from the Football Foundation and local government and developing agencies. 
Population - 197.200 (mid 2020)
(Conservative)

Crawley Town - Broadfield Stadium - EFL League 2
Ground Owners - Crawley Borough Council
Capacity - 6,134 (over 2,000 seats) 
Notes - Camrose is bigger in square footage by an acre and half.
Population - 114.000 (2019)
(Labour)

Dartford FC - Princes Park - National League
Ground Owner - Dartford Borough Council
Capacity - 4,100 (642 seats) 
A Few Notes - Clubhouse contains, bars, banqueting suites and meeting rooms. Solar panels serve community changing rooms, public toilets. Hot water storage cylinders. Low energy lighting 
Population - 112.606 (2019)
(Conservatives)

Dover Athletic - The Crabble - National League
Ground Owner - Dover District Council 
Capacity - 5,745 (1,010 seats)
Population - 31.022 (Census 2011)
(Conservative)

Halifax Town - The Shay - National League 
Ground Owner - Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council
Capacity - 14,065 (5,830)
Population - 93.071 (2020)
(Labour)

Aldershot Town - Recreation Ground - National League 
Ground Owner - Rushmore Borough Council
Capacity - 7,100 (2,100 seats)
Population - 59.162 (the town only 2020)
(Conservatives)


Altrincham - Moss Lane - National League 
Ground Owner - Trafford Council
Capacity - 6,085 (1,323 seats)
Population - 56.266 (2020)
(Labour)

Stockport County - Edgeley Park - National League
Ground Owner - Stockport Council 
Capacity - 10,900 all seater
Notes - Stockport Council purchased the ground for around £2Million, leasing it back to the club in order to prevent it from being demolished and re-developed.
Population - 291.775 (2021)
(Labour)

Hartlepool FC  - Victoria Park - EFL League 2
Ground Owner - Hartlepool Borough Council
Capacity - 7,856 (plenty of seating available)
Notes - Interestingly the former owners of the club IOR (Increased Oil Recovery) who ran the club for 18 years, wanted to buy the ground off the local council and expand the ground and area. The local council rejected this. Since then IOR sold the club on presumably because they weren’t given permission to expand!
Population - 93.663 (no date)
(Labour)

Torquay Utd - Plainmoor - National League 
Ground Owners - Torbay Council
Capacity - 6,500 (2,950 seats)
Population - 51.320 (2020)
(Conservative)

Tonbridge Angels FC. - Longmead Stadium - National League South
Ground Owner - Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council
Capacity - 3,000 (720 seats)
Population - 41.617 (2020)
(Conservatives)

Chelmsford City FC - Melbourne Community Stadium - National League South
Ground Owner - Local Council
Capacity - 3,065 (1,311 seats)
Population - 121.556 (2022)
(Conservatives)

Ebbsfleet United - Stonebridge Road - National League South 
Ground Owner - Local Council 
Capacity - 4,769 (2,179 seats)
Notes - On 17 September 2009, Gravesend Borough Council announced that they had bought the ground, to be leased to the club at £1 per year, but with the option of the Club purchasing it from the Council if sufficient funds can be raised.
Population - 74.000 (2016 est)
(Conservative)

AFC Telford - New Bucks Head - National League North
Ground Owner - Telford & Wrekin Council
Capacity - 6,380 (2,200 seats)
Population - 142.271 (In Telford itself 2017)
(Labour)

Hereford United - Edger Street - National League North
Ground Owner - Herefordshire Council
Capacity - 4,913 
Hereford - 60.800 (No date)
(Labour)

Farsley Celtic - The Citadel - National League North 
Ground Owner - Leeds City Council
Capacity - 3,900 (400 seats)
Notes - Farsley played their first game at Throstle Nest in 1948 after purchasing it from the local council soon after the war. During the 2009–10 season, the club's debts mounted to £750,000 and they were finally wound up on 12 March 2010 and expelled from the Conference North. Subsequently, Leeds City Council agreed to purchase Throstle Nest, preserving it for football use in the community. A reformed Farsley club returned to the ground in the 2010–11 season.
Population - 23.248 (2020)
(Labour)

Gateshead FC - Gateshead International Stadium - National League North 
Ground Owner - Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council
Capacity - 11,800 (plenty of seating) 
Population - 120.046 (2011 Census)
(Labour)

1 Football Club not on that list is Bury FC. Now that’s because they do not have a council owned football stadium. However, if it was not for their Local Conservative MP James Daly they would not have a ground at all right now as the greedy chairman in situ wanted to sell it for housing. Daly stood fast along with Bury Council and prevented its demise.

And now to our very own Basingstoke Town Community FC

NO GROUND OF THEIR OWN
Temporary ground Sharing with Hampshire FA at Winklebury (League Locked so NO PROGRESSION)

CURRENTLY NO HELP TOWARDS THEIR OWN STADIUM FROM THE LOCAL COUNCIL.
Population - 184.640. Forecast to rise to 196.230 by 2028

Basingstoke Population - Bigger than 17 of the clubs above
10 Grounds Above - Conservative
13 Grounds Above - Labour

The question is, how can the Labour and Conservatives have made it happen but here in Basingstoke we don’t seem to have any desire at all!

List was correct at the time of putting it together.

I trust everyone was listening to Cllr McCormick asking questions in the council chamber this evening?

Good to see councillors still fighting the club's corner, and "others" still involved in discussions and keeping up the pressure.

What do supporters intend to do regarding the responses given to these questions by Council Leader Simon Bound?

Likewise Martin, I have also been waiting for some words from on high.

It would appear from Cllr Bound's response tonight that he is also waiting - for the club to come up with a plan!

It would appear that it is for someone else to resolve the issues, not the council - every question batted away.

Cllr Harvey also asked a question regarding the council owned land at the Camrose, and what the intention is regarding its use - the answer (when it comes) will be made public.

I feel supporters need to start asking some searching questions of both club and council, because clearly there is no apetite from the council to initiate anything.

Sorry forgot to ask but are we able to listen to Cllr McCormicks comments and what else happened at the meeting?

Questions start 1.08:30