Rachel and the Labour Borough Councillor for Hartsill, Katie Hobley, have expressed bitter disappointment, after a Labour motion to grant Atherstone Town Football Club a 30-year lease was voted down by the Conservatives and Dordon Independents on North Warwickshire Borough Council.

In a statement, Rachel and Katie said:

We are bitterly disappointed by the outcome of last night’s vote on the future of Atherstone Town Football Club and our campaign to get the club a 30-year lease from North Warwickshire Borough Council.

 

Yesterday afternoon we were optimistic there would be a cross-party consensus about the need to secure the future of our local club. It’s frustrating that instead the Conservatives and Dordon Independents blocked our motion, and even more worryingly suggested the club site could be demolished to make way for housing.

 

The future of our beloved club should be above politics. A 30-year lease is essential for ensuring Atherstone Town can unlock the funding it needs to thrive, grow, and deliver more for the local community. We remain absolutely committed to securing that lease and will continue to work with anyone and everyone who wants to make that happen.

 

Our campaign is not over, and over the next few days we will be consulting with Atherstone Town FC about where to take the campaign next. We want to particularly thank the fans who turned up to last night’s council meeting, and for everyone who continues to believe that this beloved football club must have a secure future at the heart of our community.