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Updated: Delight as stadium bid is backed
9:05am Thursday 25th January 2007
Comments (92)Councillors were anxious to back plans for a Blues stadium, hotel, shops and flats at Fossetts Farm, despite planning officers' concerns about the possible impact on the town centre.
Some opposition councillors wanted the decision deferred, while others raised fears about a new shopping centre being detrimental to town centre trade, but in the end 13 of the 16 committee members voted in favour of the plans.
It is important we support this as something which will put Southend on the world map
Councillor Marimuthu Velmurugan
None voted against but three Lib Dems abstained.
Denis Garne (Lab, Kursaal) said he was worried about the amount of affordable housing proposed and the fact none of it would be at the Fossetts Farm site, but at Roots Hall instead.
He was also worried the 127 flats proposed for Fossetts Farm was too many.
Mr Garne said: "What would be the impact if the housing market was to collapse? I am also concerned with the possible conflict between 10,000 football fans arriving for a match in a short space of time and shoppers using the planned shopping mall."
Alan Crystall (Lib Dem, Leigh) said he was disappointed planning officers had not given a clear recommendation on the development and suggested the decision be deferred.
He said: "We need a great deal more information before we can make a totally valid judgment on this application and we clearly do not have this at the moment.
"We need more time and the officers should also have time for further discussion with the football club."
However, Dr Marimuthu Velmurugan (Alliance Southend, Westborough) gave a passionate defence of the scheme, saying: "It is important we support this as something which will put Southend on the world map."
His proposal to approve the application was supported by committee chairman Allan Cole (Con, Shoebury).
Dr Velmurugan said as well as a suitable travel plan being put in place, the council should also require an undertaking from town centre traders wanting to open another branch at Fossetts Farm that they must stay in the town centre for at least five years.
Kevin Robinson (Lab, St Luke's) said: "Southend needs a successful football club and I know my views supporting this scheme are backed by the vast majority of the people who live in my ward."
Roots Hall scheme rejected
Southend United's plans for the redevelopment of Roots Hall were just too much for the site, councillors decided.
Members of the development control committee felt the 402 flats at the site would cause overcrowding and parking problems, and that the superstore needed to be scaled back.
Committee chairman Allan Cole (Con, Shoebury) said: "I am concerned what we are being asked to approve here is not acceptable on the Roots Hall site and is more than just overdevelopment."
Gwen Horrigan (Con, West Leigh) was also worried about the plans for the affordable housing among the flats.
She said: "In this day and age, it is just not acceptable to put all the affordable housing which is proposed in one block.
"We have a brilliant example of affordable housing at the gasworks site, where you cannot tell if people own their own property or if they are on benefits."
However, Denis Garne (Lab, Kursaal) said he was far happier with the proposals for Roots Hall than for those at Fossetts Farm.
He said: "I feel that flats would be acceptable here and the scheme would provide a gateway into the town at the junction of Victoria Avenue and Fairfax Drive."
Mike Royston (Lab, St Luke's) said he felt it would be better to defer the application for further discussions rather than refuse it.
Interim technical services director John Young said if the plan was refused, there was still room for further discussion with Southend United with the aim of a compromise.
He said: "They have representatives here who I am sure have taken on board everything which members have had to say on the application."
Members refused the plans on the grounds of overdevelopment and the potential impact on the town centre by 11 votes to three, with two councillors abstaining.
Fans delighted
Southend United fans sang with delight after the decision they had all dreamed of was announced: The stadium had been approved.
Shrimpers supporters, packing the public gallery and gathering outside to hear the verdict over a loudspeaker, erupted in cheers and applause when the good news emerged.
Lifelong fan Andrew Brown, of Hutton, said: "We started the applause. We were just so pleased that the decision went our way.
"It's not all about football these days - it's about hospitality too - and the new stadium will give us the platform to go on."
A grinning Peter Beecroft, of Benfleet, echoed Mr Brown's sentiments.
He said: "Football seems to be about money these days and this give us the opportunity to make more. It's what we wanted to hear and that's why we came down here."
Club chairman Ron Martin's arrival outside the chambers after the decision was met by loud cheers from fans, who soon started to sing out his name.
They waved their flags and banners and several fans were quick to praise the impassioned performance of Dr Marimuthu Velmurugan, whose speech stressed the importance of the new stadium for the football club and town.
David Heath, of Basildon, said: "Every Southend fan agreed with what he said in there. That's why everyone started clapping and I understand that spread to inside as well. It was a very memorable moment and maybe we should have a statue of him at the new ground to say thank you!"
But it was not all good news for Blues, as their plans to build flats and a superstore at Roots Hall were turned down.
Howard Studd, from Chelmsford, believed there was still a long way to go in the club's bid to build a new ground.
He said: "I don't think everything is home and dry just yet.
"There were a lot of conditions that went with the stadium verdict and whether or not they can be sorted out I'm not sure."
Your Say YourEcho
Joe, says...
4:24pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Mark MacIver, says...
4:26pm Wed 24 Jan 07
SUFC, says...
4:28pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Andy Thorne, says...
4:29pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Graham, says...
4:30pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Miss, says...
4:31pm Wed 24 Jan 07
paddyitfc, says...
4:31pm Wed 24 Jan 07
good luck for rest of season.
layla, says...
4:33pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Miss, says...
4:35pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Sue, says...
4:36pm Wed 24 Jan 07
danny, says...
4:38pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Garry, says...
4:39pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Dave, says...
4:40pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Finally a stadium to be proud of.
GregWard, says...
4:42pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Mark MacIver wrote:YES!!!!!!!! AVE IT MATEYS!!!!
Great news, now over to Rochford Council.
Miss, says...
4:42pm Wed 24 Jan 07
those that speak against this are clearly unfamiliar with the state of Roots Hall and the regeneration benefits that such a development can bring to the town.
Problem is it's not benefiting the town. Its moving out of the town and leaving behind a falling down old shell - Great!
Gary, says...
4:42pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Miss wrote:Are you mental ?
This is bad news for Southend! Southend United move to Rochford! They should rename it. May benefit Rochford - which is needed as its a dull dull town - but will take life and business away from Southend town where its most needed. This should not have been approved
The ground is in Southend, not Rochford.
Rob, says...
4:42pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Alfie, says...
4:45pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Andy Thorne, says...
4:45pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Miss wrote:By redevloping Roots Hall into affordable housing, Shops, Supermarket etc? im confused
those that speak against this are clearly unfamiliar with the state of Roots Hall and the regeneration benefits that such a development can bring to the town.
Problem is it\'s not benefiting the town. Its moving out of the town and leaving behind a falling down old shell - Great!
Sue, says...
4:46pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Andy Lewis, says...
4:46pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Rochford, you know what to do.
Graham Hines, says...
4:47pm Wed 24 Jan 07
PETER PARSONS, says...
4:54pm Wed 24 Jan 07
s woolf, says...
4:56pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Smiffy, says...
4:58pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Not only have you given the football club, the home it needs and deserves, you have also given a very dull and non-existent area of Southend a massive boost. Full marks to the councillors, you have done the right thing!. I thank you all.
Davros, says...
5:00pm Wed 24 Jan 07
For those who keep moaning about the high-street turning into a dump... what has this got to do with the football club. Its not forcing you to shop somewhere else is it??!!
Also for those saying its pointless as we will be in league one next season... have you even watched any of the recent games. Theres still life in SUFC, and this will be a fantastic stadium for a worthy Championship team!
David Eastwick, says...
5:02pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Andy Thorne, says...
5:03pm Wed 24 Jan 07
http://www.southendunited.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10444~970110,00.html
David Holt, says...
5:04pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Former Southend Resident, says...
5:10pm Wed 24 Jan 07
The town is desperately in need of investment and some imaginative thinking. The new stadium looks like something we can all be proud of. Now to regenerate the pier and the Kursaal.
Sue Steer, says...
5:22pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Rob, says...
5:24pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Tony, says...
5:30pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Now just the small job of staying up ;-)
sue, says...
5:35pm Wed 24 Jan 07
max watson, says...
5:39pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Jim, says...
5:40pm Wed 24 Jan 07
FINALLY we have some development, I hope this marks the start of a new Southend, both the town and the team!
Horatio, says...
5:42pm Wed 24 Jan 07
MIKE (supporter since 1953), says...
5:45pm Wed 24 Jan 07
A landmark for the football club in its 100th year and a wonderful new facility for the town.
Robin W., says...
5:48pm Wed 24 Jan 07
What a disaster for all those who live on the route to the new stadium. This is a half baked scheme designed to appease the mindless masses and will add no value to the Town.
I live in Sutton Road, I reckon the new ground will bring VALUE to the town, look at Reading, Doncaster & Derby what the new ground can do to their town, its gave them the lift, there is no reason why Southend can be the same.
If you don't like it, move to another undevelopment town with no ambition.
Davros, says...
5:57pm Wed 24 Jan 07
sue wrote:When you consider how many more Season Ticket Holders there are now compared to back in 1989, along with the popularity of the game within the community, coupled with the recent success of the club... yes, 22k is more realistic these days than 18 years ago!
how many bribes of gone on there then? when you consider the application in 1989 was for a 16k stadium with nearly as much parking available as todays proposed stadium of 22k. Some serious maths is missing here. What a fast one!
The Sheldrakes, says...
5:59pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Greg, says...
6:06pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Mark MacIver wrote:Well Done!
Great news, now over to Rochford Council.
The town needed this, great news for everyone in Southend!
Danielle, says...
6:08pm Wed 24 Jan 07
good luck
Glenn, says...
6:17pm Wed 24 Jan 07
and for those against thier argument doesnt really stand up, no one will be forced to shop at the new retail park, and I for one since the Airport Retail park has been there, have chosen to go there to get Computer bits then into town, whereas before the airport Retail park was there I would have nearly always gone to Thurrock Retail park then Lakeside Shopping centre, so it actually helps the town if it keeps shoppers within the vicinity.
And traffic probs, so what if there is a bit of congestion on saturday afternoon, there is on a good shopping day on Victoria Avenue but no one really complains as its good business for the town, as will there be good business at the retail park if the traffic is a bit heavy....
Stephen Taylor, says...
6:39pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Graham Bridgeman-Clarke, says...
8:05pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Miss wrote:Miss you are wrong. The ground is within Southend and the training facilities and car park in Rochford. The current ground is too small and antiquated. We are in the 21st century and we need proper facilities. This development will put both the town and football club on the map and maybe, we can have a comprehensive development plan for the town centre.
The only thing Southend Council have done is to take something really worthwhile away from OUR town and put it in the middle of nowhere. Whats wrong with developing the current site? It doesn't need to be that grand!
P Wilson, says...
8:24pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Jimbo, says...
8:39pm Wed 24 Jan 07
P Wilson wrote:A*se. Plain and simple.
Yes you could tell Southend United fans had been to the Civic Centre by the mass of rubbish left behind. Angry to see my Council Tax money being spent on cleaning up the muck they left behind. Couldnt they use the nearby bins to chuck their fast food cartons and cups away? Or is a 20 foot walk too much for these disgusting litterbugs
southendandproud, says...
8:54pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Len Sellers, says...
9:09pm Wed 24 Jan 07
neil perkins, says...
9:42pm Wed 24 Jan 07
james, says...
10:24pm Wed 24 Jan 07
JJ, says...
10:26pm Wed 24 Jan 07
s woolf wrote:As another local who lives a couple of minute s drive from our great new stadium, what do you mean? The streets surrounding the stadium are full of some of the worst people in town anyway! Lets bulldoze Cluny now!
Well done SBC, what a great decision. Roots Hall will be turned into affordable housing and a supermarket, and the blues will have a brand spanking new stadium. As well as somewhere decent in Southend to shop which will compete with nearby retail parks. How can this possibly be a bad thing? And to the comment posted by Rob "blues not any good" well I guess you have failed to notice the cup glory they have had this season not to mention the two consecutive promotions and 2 cup finals, all in 2 years! Southend United will have a new home and the people of southend will have something to be proud of. Brilliant news
David Dar, says...
10:29pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Maree, says...
10:34pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Horatio wrote:H, speak for yourself. I am one of these mindless idiots. Whoops, my degrees(yes plural!), my diplomas (yes plural!), responsible professional occupation of trust within the community and registration to government regulated bodies would disagree with you! Go for it Southend. Lets make this a great town regardless of the unenlightened such as this chappie!
What a disaster for all those who live on the route to the new stadium. This is a half baked scheme designed to appease the mindless masses and will add no value to the Town.
JH, says...
10:38pm Wed 24 Jan 07
TB, says...
11:10pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Paul Halley, says...
11:15pm Wed 24 Jan 07
Andrew, says...
12:20am Thu 25 Jan 07
Dan, says...
12:25am Thu 25 Jan 07
David Dar wrote:Such a pity there are so many people who see Southend as nothing more than a quiet place in which to retire and die. Think about it David Dar, more businesses in the town paying rents and rates, more residents paying council tax, as long as the council pulls its finger out, the town should be BETTER off. As for the ice rink, it wasn't perfectly implemented and mistakes were made, but it was successful in keeping activity and life in the town centre past 5pm,as has been the case in other cities such as Leeds where they have them. Furthermore, the presence of a university and an influx of students and more graduates produced in the area can only be a good thing. As a university student of geography, economics and urban regeneration, it makes perfect sense, try thinking for a change.
Whar a complete joke. Southend Council have absolutely no
comprehension. First they make a complete mess of the high street, then
they stick an ice rink in the middle of town, they have completely
ruined the pier area and wasted money on the Cliffs area, then they
stick a unioversity in the town that will only cause problems and
lastly we have to suffer even more traffic congestion and break up of
the local area with the stadium plan being approved. I wonder if
members of the Council are wealthier by this and other decisions.
Certainly the town is not. Even more houses planned for Shoeburyness
with no infrastructure, another suppermarket type warehouse near
Waitrose with all the mess and chaos that is causing. Come on Southend
Council - wake up.
Some people care about the town having a development and future, Southend Council are often foolish and stupid in the way they go about implementing policies, but for a change they've made a good decision!
To all those complaining about the congestion, it's preferable to have the stadium on the outskirts than in the middle of the town, with traffic coming from all directions.
It's a boost for football, entertainment, shopping and business in the town, it's just a pity that the plans for the redevelopment of Roots Hall were rejected, there needs to be something built there that's positive for the community, as well as some nice flats to breathe some life into the area.
Finally, COME ON THE BLUES!
Andy, says...
12:26am Thu 25 Jan 07
Thank you, Ron.
Davis A, says...
12:46am Thu 25 Jan 07
SUFCForever, says...
1:27am Thu 25 Jan 07
And on the point of all those at the Council offices today being litter bugs, leaving their fast food wrappers all over the place afterwards. In case you hadn't noticed there isn't a fast food outlet within a mile of the Council offices, nor is there one situated on site.
If your going to make such comments may I suggest you do your homework and gets your facts correct before posting such twaddle.
Andy, says...
7:53am Thu 25 Jan 07
This town so needs developement and hopefully this will kick start other projects. I think people forget that Southend is a large town with a large population and should
have and expect first
class leisure entertainment and shopping facilities.
How about a new swimming pool ?
Anyway getting back to the stadium, I think it will be a great success, I go to see Southend play about six times a year, I would go more
but unless you get family tickets weeks in advance you can't get them. The new stadium will change that and i'll be going a lot more.
Hopefully Rochford will also make the
right decision, well done Southend!!
David, says...
8:32am Thu 25 Jan 07
Neil, says...
8:36am Thu 25 Jan 07
P Wilson wrote:Is it really that important to find something to complain about? At least you haven't complained about the council's decision!
Yes you could tell Southend United fans had been to the Civic Centre by the mass of rubbish left behind. Angry to see my Council Tax money being spent on cleaning up the muck they left behind. Couldnt they use the nearby bins to chuck their fast food cartons and cups away? Or is a 20 foot walk too much for these disgusting litterbugs
Ossie, says...
8:38am Thu 25 Jan 07
Or could Camp Bling give way to the widening of the road beside Priory Park?
Jay, says...
9:13am Thu 25 Jan 07
We don't fill a 12,000 seater now!
Goodbye Southend United.
Al, says...
9:35am Thu 25 Jan 07
Jay wrote:Oh my god how can you actually say that? No requirement? We've had numerousd crowds over 10,000 recently and better facilities and more room then who's to say we can't get 13,000-14,000 in. It was fantastic being there to hear the verdict and I wonder about people like Jay, why? Why so bloody negative?
Death of our town, our club. We have NO REQUIREMENT for a new stadium. We don't fill a 12,000 seater now! Goodbye Southend United.
Ethan Voel, says...
9:44am Thu 25 Jan 07
Simon, says...
9:49am Thu 25 Jan 07
Jay wrote:Research your facts before posting your misguided opinion in public places.
Death of our town, our club. We have NO REQUIREMENT for a new stadium. We don't fill a 12,000 seater now! Goodbye Southend United.
Southends average attendance was 8,000 last year and they now get 9-11,000 every game. The reason they dont get 12,000 is it doesnt hold 12,000 and a sellout can only be achieved by away fans selling their tickets.
The home ends are pretty much full every game now which you should know it being "your" club.
Greg, says...
9:52am Thu 25 Jan 07
Ethan Voel wrote:Well the retailers at Fossetts wont be the kind you see in the high street, and those that may have a presence (eg currys) will have to sign an agreement not to leave the high street for 5 years.
Its good news for Southend United but I am concerned at the potential impact to Southend high street and traffic congestion. The site is hardly best suited for transport connections and leaves me thinking about how 22,000 will get to and from the new stadium.
As to congestion yest match days will be busy, but they already are for Roots Hall. The club are also arranging for park and ride schemes to aleviate the issue.
Bear in mind the capacity is 22,000 but no one is expecting that level of crowds every game. People also need to remember games only occcur every two weeks for 9 months of the year, you would think from some of the comments theres a game going on all the time....
P. Wilson, says...
9:55am Thu 25 Jan 07
Ossie wrote:Thats irrelevant to Rochford, they can only make judgements on the plans submitted.
Ok, a new stadium, ok new shopping centre, ok new hotel and health centre. Strikes me we need a much better access route. How can such a huge development happen without a suitable way to get there. Might be a concern of Rochford Council today, not just a few training pitches, now, but potentially a dual carriageway through Shoplands. Or could Camp Bling give way to the widening of the road beside Priory Park?
Mike, says...
10:38am Thu 25 Jan 07
Jimbo wrote:Whilst I certainly can't support litter being left, *IF* it was, it's hardly unusual for that whole area on both sides of the road to be full of trash. If nothing else the hordes of government employees from the council and HMRC leave both sides of the road caked in their disgusting fag ends. Wouldn't surprise me if it was *their* rubbish too.
P Wilson wrote: Yes you could tell Southend United fans had been to the Civic Centre by the mass of rubbish left behind. Angry to see my Council Tax money being spent on cleaning up the muck they left behind. Couldnt they use the nearby bins to chuck their fast food cartons and cups away? Or is a 20 foot walk too much for these disgusting litterbugsA*se. Plain and simple.
Lavender Blue, says...
12:21pm Thu 25 Jan 07
Fiona, says...
2:15pm Thu 25 Jan 07
Greg, says...
2:20pm Thu 25 Jan 07
Steve, says...
3:42pm Thu 25 Jan 07
Maree, says...
4:04pm Thu 25 Jan 07
Dan, says...
4:52pm Thu 25 Jan 07
simon murdoch, says...
6:20pm Thu 25 Jan 07
Jimbo, says...
7:11pm Thu 25 Jan 07
Maree, says...
7:21pm Thu 25 Jan 07
simon murdoch wrote:29 million. What rot. It is people like you that need to move to a retirement village. This is not Southend. There is no retirement village here. Bulldoze the road through. Get the town rolling for its living residents.
<b> And now for that road improvement scheme costing the Council £29m to cater for all the extra road traffic in the area !!</b>
Taf, says...
7:56pm Thu 25 Jan 07
Maree wrote:Having been raised in Southend, I just couldn't wait to get of the place. So I moved out some time ago to the lovely little hamlet called Rochford. So if you want your soccer stadium Southend, then I am very pleased for you but don't drag us folk of Rochford into it. I would like to invite Simon to join us in "our" town of people that only go South if they have to and would rather take the fast road North to the clean streets of Chelmsford but I fear it may just be too late. Think carefully Rochford Council, we're not "Southend North" just yet.
simon murdoch wrote: <b> And now for that road improvement scheme costing the Council £29m to cater for all the extra road traffic in the area !!</b>29 million. What rot. It is people like you that need to move to a retirement village. This is not Southend. There is no retirement village here. Bulldoze the road through. Get the town rolling for its living residents.
L. Sorrell, says...
9:54pm Thu 25 Jan 07
The new university is due to open shortly too - that will be another huge influx of people (mainly on business courses) who will obviously be likely to spend money in the High Street during the week, being situated yards from it - yet will also have the benefit of a local football team that has the capability of competing on equal terms with other Championship teams (and who knows....the Premiership one day? It does happen you know).
The comfortable new stadium with modern surrounding facilities will hopefully be a pleasant place to spend some leisure time too.
Southend town centre has already recently benefited from hundreds and hundreds of students during the week since the building of the new college 2 years ago - all potential football fans who may not have been enticed along to Roots Hall, with its antiquated toilet facilities, difficult parking, horrendously inadequate snack bars etc. yet are extremely likely to want to go and see the new stadium for themselves - and hopefully become long term supporters of the Blues.
Jimbo, says...
12:49am Fri 26 Jan 07
L. Sorrell wrote:Have you been eating magic mushrooms? All these plans are pie in the sky - people are not interested in Southend United. Just a vociferous rabble who should clear off and leave the rest of us residents alone. Looking at the tide of filth they left behind outside the Civic Centre they dirty messy rabble should just clear off.
Excellent decision yesterday - such a positive move will already have changed perceptions of the area, with all its previous mistakes and lack of vision. The new university is due to open shortly too - that will be another huge influx of people (mainly on business courses) who will obviously be likely to spend money in the High Street during the week, being situated yards from it - yet will also have the benefit of a local football team that has the capability of competing on equal terms with other Championship teams (and who knows....the Premiership one day? It does happen you know). The comfortable new stadium with modern surrounding facilities will hopefully be a pleasant place to spend some leisure time too. Southend town centre has already recently benefited from hundreds and hundreds of students during the week since the building of the new college 2 years ago - all potential football fans who may not have been enticed along to Roots Hall, with its antiquated toilet facilities, difficult parking, horrendously inadequate snack bars etc. yet are extremely likely to want to go and see the new stadium for themselves - and hopefully become long term supporters of the Blues.
Matte, says...
10:02am Fri 26 Jan 07
PETER PARSONS wrote:A lower class of citizen! What one that can't spell or write properly? Ooopps thats you.
THIS IS INDEED BAD NEWS AS A RESIDENT OF STREET IN THE SURROUNDING AREAS OF ROOTSHALL THIS CAN ONLY MEAN CONJESTION AND A LOWER CLASS OF CITIZEN MOVING IN ALONG WITH POLLUTION AND TRAFFIC PROBLEMS
Joker7, says...
12:49pm Fri 26 Jan 07
Dan, says...
4:31pm Fri 26 Jan 07
Jimbo wrote:Clearly you are not familiar with the massive rise in attendance at Roots Hall since the 1990s and that home fan capacity is often reached. When you find some facts, come back and make a case for yourself.
L. Sorrell wrote: Excellent decision yesterday - such a positive move will already have changed perceptions of the area, with all its previous mistakes and lack of vision. The new university is due to open shortly too - that will be another huge influx of people (mainly on business courses) who will obviously be likely to spend money in the High Street during the week, being situated yards from it - yet will also have the benefit of a local football team that has the capability of competing on equal terms with other Championship teams (and who knows....the Premiership one day? It does happen you know). The comfortable new stadium with modern surrounding facilities will hopefully be a pleasant place to spend some leisure time too. Southend town centre has already recently benefited from hundreds and hundreds of students during the week since the building of the new college 2 years ago - all potential football fans who may not have been enticed along to Roots Hall, with its antiquated toilet facilities, difficult parking, horrendously inadequate snack bars etc. yet are extremely likely to want to go and see the new stadium for themselves - and hopefully become long term supporters of the Blues.Have you been eating magic mushrooms? All these plans are pie in the sky - people are not interested in Southend United. Just a vociferous rabble who should clear off and leave the rest of us residents alone. Looking at the tide of filth they left behind outside the Civic Centre they dirty messy rabble should just clear off.
Tony, says...
12:53pm Mon 29 Jan 07
National opinion of Southend is tacky. Are you happy for it to stay that way? If so, please leave the town now and let us more forward thinking and those proud of the town take it forward to where it should be.
May I ask the objectors if they objected to the Tescos at Eastwood, University, Pier head regeneration etc?
John Reid, Westcliff says...
3:24pm Thu 1 Feb 07
Why did the Council support the development despite this opposition from its own officers? Maybe they know that the Secretary of State will ultimately reject the proposal and the Council can then blame the Government rather than themselves.
So, my prediction is that the new Stadium will NOT go ahead and the Council will blame the Government for that.
I hope I am wrong, but I look on politics with great cynicism.
An artist's impression of the Blues' plan
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Gary Faux, says...
4:23pm Wed 24 Jan 07