FOUL
Press Release
Oxford - No Embargo - 2nd May 2000
View
the Survey Results here!
FOUL
(Fighting for Oxford United's Life) has issued the following press
release:
Oxford United supporters' organisation FOUL (Fighting for Oxford United's
Life) has questioned the major parties in the Oxford City Council local
elections to determine their stance on the problems associated with the
football club's move to Minchery Farm. It is important that all Oxford
United followers who intend to vote on Thursday are aware of the
politicians' future plans for Oxfordshire's only professional football
club.
In their responses all three parties have stated that wherever possible
all future Oxford United business will be discussed in open committee
session, thereby removing the secrecy that has apparently hung for so
long over this issue. However, FOUL is concerned that support for this
project would diminish if there were a change of leadership at the Town
Hall this Thursday and urges all parties to maintain strong backing for
current Council policy on this issue should Labour lose control.
The Green Party claims that it 'would not stand in the way of the
new development' despite it being contrary to their national policy.
Whilst their Councillors would normally be opposed to out-of-town
developments of this nature they are aware that the Minchery Farm
multiplex is vital to the club's future and they would therefore not vote
against this project. They are acquiescing over the multiplex at Minchery
Farm because they support the continued existence of the football club,
but if it were not for the club's existence being dependent on the
development there they would not be supportive. Whilst this is a difficult
policy position to maintain, FOUL believes it to be an honourable one.
The Liberal Democrats do not appear to have a party line on this
issue, each of their prospective Councillors responding with personal
views, although every Lib-Dem candidate who responded supported the
development at Minchery Farm. FOUL feels that the Liberal Democrats need
to establish their policy with regard to Oxford United and Minchery Farm,
bearing in mind that 80% of a sample of the city's ratepayers stated in a
survey last year that they wished for the development to go ahead.
It is FOUL's view that Labour Councillors would be willing to
commit themselves fully to securing the move to Minchery Farm, as they
have consistently stated since Firoz Kassam came onto the scene 15 months
ago, and as has been confirmed by their responses to the FOUL
questionnaire.
FOUL believes that a full and open commitment from the Town Hall is
required, with strong leadership needed on this issue. FOUL urges all
supporters to check the views of their own candidates in the Oxford area
before voting on Thursday and to bear in mind that their vote could help
Oxford United to a more secure future.
ENDS
