Freddy wins home battle

1:48pm Friday 10th November 2006

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Southend United super striker Freddy Eastwood was today celebrating a second major victory - winning the right to stay in his mobile home.

Just days after scoring the goal that knocked Premiership leaders Manchester United out of the Carling Cup, Eastwood, 23, learned he had defeated Basildon Council's bid to bulldoze his family's home in Cranfield Park Avenue, Wickford.

Government planning inspector Wendy McKay - who, along with Basildon Council, did not know at the time Eastwood was a professional footballer - quashed council enforcement orders to clear the plot and four others owned by relatives.

The council made the order because the homes were built on the green belt without planning permission.

The Southend United star, wife Debbie and children, Freddie, four, and Chardonnay, two can now stay on the site for five years while alternative sites are found by a regionwide strategy.

The ruling also applies to the four other families Eastwood, who earns around £100,000 a year, was not at home yesterday, after dodging the spotlight of the national media in the wake of the Blues' shock win.

But in a statement he said: "This is excellent news. It is great that the plans have been passed.

"I always hoped and expected we would get permission."

Team coach Steve Tilson added: "He is fed up with all the media attention, but this is great news for him and I am really pleased.

"I have a great relationship with him and this brings real peace of mind. It may have affected his game for a week or so, but not in a big way. He has still been scoring goals and doing well.

"He will go on and do even better. This inquiry was important to him, but being a Man U supporter, I still think the big win tops it."

Club chairman Ron Martin said it was "not usually prudent" to comment on players' personal issues, but he admitted he was pleased the decision had "lifted a burden" from his star player.

The news has eased fears among fans the Blues' top scorer might leave the club if he were forced to move away from his relatives.

Paul Fitzgerald, vice-chairman of supporters' group, the Shrimpers Trust, said: "This is excellent news. Obviously, having a settled home is important.

"I wouldn't blame him for leaving, because everyone has to achieve the best that they can, but it would be great if he stayed and this may be one of the factors which decides that."

The Eastwoods bought the plot where his home stands - called Woodview - from fellow Romany travellers for £2,000 in October, 2004.

On it stands a smart double-glazed bricked-in chalet, with a stepped entrance and pot plants, which would have cost between £50,000 and £70,000.

Many of the plots in the road, dubbed Cranfield Close by residents, have their own stables.

Eastwood has reportedly been seen driving a pony and trap along the A127 on Saturdays before training sessions.

The inspector's report said Eastwood had not given evidence at the inquiry due to a close family bereavement.

It added: "Nevertheless, there is clear and substantial evidence he forms part of the extended family group living on the site and that he has travelled and worked with other family members."

Under the decision, permission would be withdrawn if Eastwood or any of the other plot owners moved off.

They have also been ordered to carry out £36,000 of highway improvements to create a safer access onto the A127.

The inquiry into the appeal was told the appellants could not afford a preferred £140,000 road scheme, but that each family could chip in about £8,000 each.

The inquiry was told Eastwood could raise the money if he sold some of his horses.