Change of heart threatens dream move

Burnham Ramblers could miss out on a new multi-million pound stadium unless the Ryman North club can persuade their local authority to have a change of heart.

Developer Pigeon has offered to build last season's Essex Senior League champions a state-of-the-art stadium on a new site more than double the size of their current ground at Leslie Field. But it is unlikely to go ahead unless Maldon District Council earmarks land for at least 300 hundred homes.

It had been set to go ahead with 450 homes, a school and other local amenities built before objections from local residents over the summer prompted the authority to look at a new plan to spread the homes across three separate sites.

Burnham Secretary Shaun Pugh, pictured alongside Chairman Billy Hannan, says they have been 'left out on a limb'. They only have until next April, when a consultation process ends, to win the argument and secure the club's future with a purpose built stadium and sports complex open to the whole community.

The proposed development on a 27 acre site includes small sized pitches for every age group in line with the Football Association's overhaul of youth football and coaching, as well as the latest floodlit all weather playing and training pitches allowing access throughout the year.

After rising to the highest level in football's Pyramid in their 113 year history following promotion in May, Pugh insists it will be bitter blow if they don't see a return to the original plan.

The Ramblers Secretary said: "We have been left out on a limb despite the objections not being aimed at the club itself being redeveloped. We've discovered that some of Burnham District Council members have proposed that some of the housing be moved to land north and east of Burnham. If this happens the football club will be forced to stay where it is and we will struggle to maintain what we have.

Pugh, who's now urging fans to contact the authority with messages of support for the club's dream, added: "We're imploring the councillors to think again and allow enough houses to be sited on Burnham West to ensure the future of football in the town and allow the club to progress and continue to serve the local community.

"If you agree and would like to help our local community benefit from this project please contact me contact Burnham & Maldon District Council direct to show your support for the project. Their email address is: dc.planning@maldon.gov.uk."

To contact Pugh direct email: secretarybrfc@sapugh.gotadsl.co.uk.

Image courtesy of the Maldon Standard