Wealdstone are seeking answers from Barnet over the possibility of a ground share at The Hive.
The Bees left Underhill at the end of last season to move to The Hive, which was formely known as the Prince Edward Playing Fields [PEPF], in Harrow.
Under the terms of Barnet’s lease at The Hive, Harrow Council insisted on including a provision that Wealdstone have a right to play at the stadium once building is complete.
One of Barnet’s “three objectives” in their own proposal to Harrow Council was “to provide a permanent home ground for Wealdstone FC” and that formed a key role in the granting of both planning permission and the lease.
This core provision was publicly made clear at Harrow Council’s cabinet meeting last July.
The Stones could become homeless when their own current lease expires at The Vale, Ruislip, in 2018.
The Ryman Premier club claim they have been frustrated by Barnet’s chairman Tony Kleanthous in their attempts to discuss possible terms and arrangements.
Wealdstone chairman Howard Krais said: “We have no desire to enter into dispute with Barnet over this matter. However, we are asking some very straightforward questions and are getting no constructive answers.
“We have a right to play at the new stadium and we need to understand clearly whether this could be a viable option or not.
“We have talked on and off with Barnet over several years, since our own plans at PEPF did not come to full fruition through no fault of our own and after considerable investment in the site.
“However, with Barnet’s plans to move forward and build the stadium we now need to bring these discussions to a conclusion.”
He added: “We want to know what reasonable commercial terms will be offered to us for playing at The Hive and whether it will be sustainable for us to do so.
“With Harrow Council having made that a provision of the lease, it is surprising that we cannot get any clear response from Barnet.”
Barnet declined to respond when asked about Wealdstone’s concerns.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel