Meadowbank opening delayed again

Dorking Wanderers had been looking forward to finally unveiling their new stadium to the public next week- and to their first match at home to Leatherhead- but now both of these events have been cancelled/moved yet again due to 'contractor delays.' It is now expected that the club won't play at their new home until July- and their home matches will continue to be played at Westhumble for the remainder of the season.

In a statement released last night, local Councillor Charles Yarwood, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Assets and Investment said, “Whilst I’m personally disappointed for everyone involved, if it is simply not ready it cannot open. At this point we cannot release a new opening date.

“Our contractors have let us down. We had been reassured repeatedly over the past month that completion was on target and will be discussing with them what has gone wrong at this late stage. We will then release a date when we are confident that it can be delivered."

Marc White, Chairman of Dorking Wanderers Football Club said, “This news has come as a complete shock to everyone involved in Dorking Wanderers Football Club, who had been led to believe the project was completely on course for opening this month. It will also of course be a great disappointment to the many volunteers who have put so much effort into making the Meadowbank move happen, as well as the supporters, sponsors and businesses backing us.

Although we have now taken the decision to see out the season at Westhumble and wait until the stadium is demonstrably operational before moving in, we will be announcing new launch dates for The Healthy Kitchen and One Mile Club benefitting 3000 local households as soon as practicable.

Rest assured, while things are on hold right now, when the time comes Dorking Wanderers will still be inviting local people to a magnificent grand opening – a big day out for the town in the summer and a big opening game. “

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