FOUL Welcomes Negotiations
FOUL have released the following statement regarding the
Council's latest moves to continue negotiations with the potential new
owner Firoz Kassam:
"FOUL (Fighting for Oxford United’s Life) welcomes
the positive negotiations currently being conducted between Firoz Kassam,
potential new owner of Oxford United, and the City Council. FOUL welcomes
the positive negotiations currently being conducted between Firoz Kassam,
potential new owner of Oxford United, and the City Council. We
particularly applaud the new sense of urgency which has developed in
recent weeks. FOUL has done much research to understand the councils
position, and to suggest appropriate, cost effective, and legal ways
forward. Mr. Kassam’s proposals include much needed leisure
facilities for Oxford. We live in a premier European City but lack the
facilities to match. Since the effective demise of the Oxpens scheme the
Minchery Farm development has become increasingly important. As a direct
result of the relocation of the football club the people of Oxford now
have an opportunity to enjoy facilities this city has been deprived of for
years.
The multiplex cinema will offer more viewing choice and
comfort, and reduce traffic levels in central Oxford. The hotel, leisure
site, and bowling alley will create employment and aid the Councils
regeneration plan for this area. The jobs created will reduce Housing
Benefit payments and rent arrears, allowing more money to be spent on
other, much needed areas, such as housing repairs and the homeless. It
will help local businesses and allow this area to thrive at a time when
traditional industries such as car manufacturing are in decline.
We hope for the continuation of professional football at
Oxford, and facilities to match the status of this great city, so that we
can all enjoy the spin-offs, benefits and prosperity that would be
generated. Whether we follow the yellows or just enjoy a night out - at
Minchery Farm there would be something for everyone. FOUL will continue to
fight for the future of Oxford United, its supporters and staff, and for
the rights of people to enjoy their leisure time without having to travel
to Reading, Swindon, Wycombe, and other surrounding areas.
We urge the Council to continue with the excellent progress
they have made in the last few weeks, and to deliver to the people of this
city facilities that will be enjoyed for generations to come. This chance
may be a one off - we must not lose it."
