Bedlington Terriers.

[Mal]

An honest assessment of the current legal situation surrounding the Bedlington Terriers from the MP.

 

 

Bedlington Terriers FC – a deeply disappointing situation

For more than two years, my office and I have worked behind the scenes with a multitude of partners to try to resolve the situation facing Bedlington Terriers Football Club.

Until now, we’ve resisted making a public statement, hoping that quiet diplomacy and goodwill would prevail. Sadly, the situation is now worse than ever, and I feel it’s time to speak openly.

Bedlington Terriers, a club with a proud history and deep roots in our community, has played at Dr Pit Welfare Park for more than half a century. They had secured planning permission and funding to upgrade the pitch to 3G and improve facilities, an

exciting step forward. But legal and ownership complications have derailed everything.

The land is governed by a charitable trust originally established for the mining community. When the club tried to move forward with improvements, it became clear that the lease they were operating under was legally invalid. This issue, which was

first identified in 2012, was never acted upon and only resurfaced a decade later, when progress on re-development was being made.

Northumberland County Council (NCC), which holds the land in trust, attempted a land swap to resolve covenant issues raised by the Charity Commission. However, CISWO (Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation), which has an interest in the

site, refused to consent, citing concerns about preserving the site’s heritage and the community’s access.

In December, I met with NCC and CISWO to try to find a solution. The council was open to compromise, but CISWO would not budge. Their position is that preserving the site means preventing any development, even if that development would allow the club to continue playing and thriving in the community.

I strongly disagree. In trying to “preserve the site,” CISWO is ignoring the reality:

Bedlington Terriers have played on the western portion of Dr Pit Park for five decades. They’ve maintained the ground throughout that time. The rest of the park, home to bowls, sports, play areas, and a Green Flag-rated green space, remains

untouched and well-used.

At the end of last season, the club was relegated from Northern League Division 2 having failed ground grading criteria. Then in the summer, the legal entity running BTFC was struck off the register because of an administrative issue, leading NCC to

require the club to vacate the ground. Though the entity was later restored, the damage was done. Bedlington Terriers are now playing in the Northern Alliance at a home pitch outside of Bedlington.

The ground, once secured, has since become a target for arson and vandalism. I raised CISWO’s role in this mess from the floor of the Commons last week and have further meetings planned in the coming weeks.

Let me be clear:

This situation helps no one.

Not the mining community CISWO claims to represent.

Not the park, which is now suffering from neglect and vandalism.

Not the people of Bedlington, who’ve lost their senior football team.

And certainly not Bedlington Terriers, who are fighting for survival outside their home town.

I still believe a solution is possible, if sensible heads prevail. I will continue to urge all parties to find common ground and do what’s right for the club, the community, and the legacy of Bedlington.

[Canny lass]

2 hours ago, Mal said:

will continue to urge all parties to find common ground and do what’s right for the club, the community, and the legacy of Bedlington.

Go for it Mal!!!