Wycombe stadium plan for London Wasps and Wycombe Wanderers 'could be next Eden' boss tells press (From Bucks Free Press)

clarke you are a total joke.

If this takes Wycombe from being at the bottom of the national tables for provision of sports facilities, it has to be a good thing.

Handy Cross is falling down; the running track is closing; we have fewer rugby and football pitches per head than most communities in the UK.

If this development fixes that it gets my vote.

agreed, i have been talking to her via e-mail recently and she has no answers. The one e-mail with a real question to her she ignored. Says a lot. Her incompetence seems intent on sending Wycombe into the next dictatorship of Mr Hayes. What a joke

Like Eden eh? Cold, windy and full of rich white people?

So if the stadium is to be the "next Eden" presumably it will meet the needs of a few without any consideration of what harmful impact it will have on the rest of the town and district. Not sure if that is any reassurance.

This press conference makes me feel physically sick - if these people are so passionate about this project and so skilled in delivering it why can't they look directly at the audience and speak - because they are too nervous to say anything other than the carefully scrutinised statements put together by their lawyers.

In principal I am not against the stadium. However it is supposedly a "community" stadium and I have no faith in the current Tory administration, or Steve Hayes, to give any consideration to the real communities in High Wycombe and I have no faith in them to deliver a project that will bring benefit to anyone other than Steve Hayes' bank balance.

that woman makes me so so sick, why does f****ng Eden have to come into everything, its nothing special, grrrrrrr that woman makes me cringe so much.

She isn't a good speaker either, she spent more time looking down at her bit of paper which her garbage was written on, a proper speaker would look at the people when they speak, she aint proper.

This is soso false.

DocD wrote:
Like Eden eh? Cold, windy and full of rich white people?

Twunt.

so cash strapped that they cut services and then plan to build a stadium that most of us wont use

Quote: Asked about Wasps’ future if a new stadium is not found, he said: “We believe that the quality of the partnership is such that we don’t need at this stage to develop a plan B.”
~
Translation:
"Mr Hayes is going to get exactly what he wants and will make lots of money too. Why should he be looking at a plan B!!!"
~
Watch out for the "presents" being sent to councillors by Happy Hayes - like they have been in the past (as previously reported in the BFP). No doubt any future "presents" will not be so obvious and much harder to detect.

The only power I have is to stop my financial support of WWFC by withdrawing from their lotto...not much I know...but I'm doing it anyway and will make sure they know it's because of this new stadium.

Sorry couldn't watch the press conference video; kept having to go to the bathroom to throw up.

What next Steve?
Comforting Cheryl Cole or the mother of Jamie Bulger, strewing rose petals at Wooton Bassett, a hospital for Haiti.

Time for the auditors to have a look?

If this is at all viable, why isn't it put out to competitive tender?

Tell the truth. The ultimate objective, as previously at Adams Park, is to breach the Green Belt.

Breaking news - Cllr Clarke and Mr Hayes have released plans of there marriage which will take place at half time of the next Wasps Home game in the new stadium.

QUOTE " ‘it’s not taxpayers’ money’ as the sums would come from WDC’s property deals"

Total Hogwash -
THIS "IS" TAXPAYERS MONEY, AND YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT YOU ARE ALREADY COMMITTING £750,000 ON CONSULTATION FEES.

THIS IS A CRIMINAL WASTE OF TAXPAYERS MONEY.
.
FOR F*** SAKE, STOP THIS NOW!!!

fair comment made --
"Tell the truth. The ultimate objective, as previously at Adams Park, is to breach the Green Belt."

Thats why they will go with Booker as the venue -- fast profit for Hayes and WDC Tory council ---at expense of the green belt !!

If they were travellers buying the land for homes in the greenbelt it would be blocked.
As its WDC Tories and Hayes turning a profit they think its OK

LISTEN TO WHAT RESIDENTS WANT CLARKE!!

Slight error above:
.
Our council leaders should be aware that they "are" SPENDING TAXPAYERS MONEY.
.
ALL the funds they have, are routed from the taxpayer, and therefore they should not try to play with figures to suggest anything else.

I'm no football fan, but why build the stadium on it's current site if it's not suitable? (It was bleedin' obvious right from the start that there would be parking and access problems).
If this new build goes ahead, will they continue building stadiums every 20 yrs or so until they get it right?
Why don't they give the council a few back handers to compulsory purchase a large chunk of farm land adjacent to the M40. Slap down a few slip roads, and tarmac over some of old Lord Watsits estate. Easy access and plenty of parking. Sorted.
Where do I send the bill? :o)

Steve Hayes talks about democracy so how about a referendum of WDC rate payers on whether they support this proposal.

Bogart wrote:
I'm no football fan, but why build the stadium on it's current site if it's not suitable? (It was bleedin' obvious right from the start that there would be parking and access problems).
If this new build goes ahead, will they continue building stadiums every 20 yrs or so until they get it right?
Why don't they give the council a few back handers to compulsory purchase a large chunk of farm land adjacent to the M40. Slap down a few slip roads, and tarmac over some of old Lord Watsits estate. Easy access and plenty of parking. Sorted.
Where do I send the bill? :o)

But WDC dont own Lord Watsist land and will make sheds of money from selling its own land with planning permission .

They own Booker land so its a no brainer for a quick profit -- Typical of this Tory councils who put fast ££ ahead of public need !!

Great idea Bogart!
.
Let Mr. Hayes buy the land, and leave taxpayers money out of the equation.
.
This is a private venture, and should be treated as such.

Another Eden? Does that meant another disaster?

Interesting that Mrs Clarke, having recieved gifts over £25.00 from Mr Hayes, didn't, contrary to members rules, declare her interest at any of the meetings she chaired and voted at, that Procurement at Wycombe District Council have ignored standing orders on procurement and that they are RISKING millions of OUR money with a man who is losing millions a year with his own clubs, a particular Council Officer has been caught out lying to a taxpayer who requested information,there's another dirty little secret the Council doesn't want you to know about will be published soon.

We will get to the truth and soon.

Question, Is it leagal to use council tax i.e public money to fund a PRIVATE venture? If the country is skint and cutting back then why are WDC wasting money on a venture that surely can not be top of the list of things to do. Whose pocket is Clarke in? She looked very uncomfortable and nervous, as for Beeks, there are some of us who remember the shody way he treated the Blues fans after their first Wembley sucess, denying them the opportunity to celebrate with the club on the very night they won just so that he could suck up to the fair weather councillors and fellow masons.

I have made it clear, previously, that, if the council wants to spend money on sports, it would be better to spend it helping the myriad of small amateur clubs in the area that actually help raise the fitness levels of our areas youngsters, rather than encouraging them to go and watch a well paid few sportsmen.

However what many people here have failed to note is that, although the council will own the site it will be getting rent from Wanderers/Wasps. With a well-written lease agreement it could end up bringing lots of money in to the council.

As for Adams Park being in the greenbelt - Wanderers never wanted it there - they were forced into it by the previous council administration.

Phredd wrote:
I have made it clear, previously, that, if the council wants to spend money on sports, it would be better to spend it helping the myriad of small amateur clubs in the area that actually help raise the fitness levels of our areas youngsters, rather than encouraging them to go and watch a well paid few sportsmen. However what many people here have failed to note is that, although the council will own the site it will be getting rent from Wanderers/Wasps. With a well-written lease agreement it could end up bringing lots of money in to the council. As for Adams Park being in the greenbelt - Wanderers never wanted it there - they were forced into it by the previous council administration.

OK, so if the council owns the site, and will be getting rent for it, how many years will it take to break even?

I believe that an average stadium now costs about £500 million to build.

What WDC services and facilities are going to be cut to pay for that?

And how much are our councilors going to get as back-handers in recognition of their support?

A VOTER wrote:

Phredd wrote: I have made it clear, previously, that, if the council wants to spend money on sports, it would be better to spend it helping the myriad of small amateur clubs in the area that actually help raise the fitness levels of our areas youngsters, rather than encouraging them to go and watch a well paid few sportsmen. However what many people here have failed to note is that, although the council will own the site it will be getting rent from Wanderers/Wasps. With a well-written lease agreement it could end up bringing lots of money in to the council. As for Adams Park being in the greenbelt - Wanderers never wanted it there - they were forced into it by the previous council administration.

OK, so if the council owns the site, and will be getting rent for it, how many years will it take to break even? I believe that an average stadium now costs about £500 million to build. What WDC services and facilities are going to be cut to pay for that? And how much are our councilors going to get as back-handers in recognition of their support?

Wrong, Phredd about Adams Park.

WDC vehemently resisted and rejected planning for Adams Park, supported by the police and everyone else with any common sense at the time. Then they ran out of money to legally oppose.

This was argued as intended to release Loakes Park for hospital development ....... yes!? OK.?

Planning was eventually granted, on appeal, by the Conservative government of the time. The rules at specified for "recreation" since it was in Green Belt.

It was, however, developed by Mr Beeks (who may or may not have friends in the government of the time), as a commercial enterprise with a view to it eventually being removed from Green Belt and becoming even more commercial.

Looks like that may happen?

Worth asking, however, if since Adams Park was "allowed" for "recreation", could it be developed for anything else even though it has been removed from Green Belt.

Meanwhile WDC is probably over a barrel now, having an "agreement" with the local itinerant, since they will not be able to reject any planning for Booker Air Park.

Mind you three quarters of a million pounds of ratepayers' money might have paid for adequate legal advice.

This is the last throw of the dice for our gamblers anonymous council who have already squandered £M2.5 of our money and hope to get it back this way.

"If you build it, they still won't come"

hondo,

By previous administration I mean the previous anti-competitive-spo
rt administration that then run the local council.

They would have been happy to have seen Wanderers out of business altogether

Does this the woman actually believe her own nonsense, or perhaps she thinks because she says it the tax paying public will beleive her nonsense?
The more I read the more I truly dislike this woman.
I cannot wait for the elections.

A voter reckoned average cost of stadia to be £500M.
Those sort of costs are for large "trophy" stadia built, from scratch, in a city centre (e.g. Arsenal). For a 20K seater stadium built on an undeveloped site could well be 10-20% of that. In fact I would imagine the whole sports village could be less than that.

What I do object to is the use of the term "Community Stadium". Unless every local amateur football/rugby/hocke
y team is allowed to play on it when not in use by the big 2 clubs then it isn't a community stadium.

Phredd wrote:
A voter reckoned average cost of stadia to be £500M. Those sort of costs are for large "trophy" stadia built, from scratch, in a city centre (e.g. Arsenal). For a 20K seater stadium built on an undeveloped site could well be 10-20% of that. In fact I would imagine the whole sports village could be less than that. What I do object to is the use of the term "Community Stadium". Unless every local amateur football/rugby/hocke y team is allowed to play on it when not in use by the big 2 clubs then it isn't a community stadium.

Unfortunately they're selling it as a 'community' stadium in order to change the local plan; it is unlikely otherwise that they would ever get permission from the planning inspectorate. I think far from being a community stadium, the overheads and costs will invariably mean that other facilities that you have mentioned, are likely to suffer and be cut in favour of Clarke &Hayes' stadium, bars, resturants, housing ambitions.

Notwithstanding the disgraceful way that Mr Hayes has behaved with WWFC, if Mr Hayes cannot run the clubs solvent at the moment, how in the hell is he going to with increased costs and risks to the taxpayers?

part-fund

usvelt wrote:
Does this the woman actually believe her own nonsense, or perhaps she thinks because she says it the tax paying public will beleive her nonsense? The more I read the more I truly dislike this woman. I cannot wait for the elections.

Please, please; "this woman" sir has been democratically elected, and selected by her peers to be leader of the majority.

In fact, she is really so incognizant of her inadequacy that she may very well believe that what she is doing is right.

When those about you praise you, be aware whose head will be in the noose.

It's all very well saying that you will vote for the alternative at the next district elections. The local conservatives are so well resourced and the seats are so safe they aren't easy to beat.

Each ward needs local residents who are well known to put themselves forward, either as independents or with a party like the Lib Dems, to ensure that there is a credible alternative in every ward of the Wycombe District.

To turn a majority of 40 around is going to take hard work and resources so people had better start working now if we are going to see significant change in May 2011.

Just sat through and watched the video of the press conference, and noted that the Council part of the money will come from land/property sales. the proceeds of which the Council is not allowed to put into services.

Did a quick check with a friend who is in the legal department of another council, and he has confirmed this to be the case.

I seem to remember being told that the Casey(KC?) stadium (used by Hull Footy and Rugby clubs). was funded in the same way

I don't know where the feasibility study money, or the stadium development manager salary is being funded from though!

For goodness sake. Give em a break! Adams Park is in a bad location and frankly does not reflect the aspirations of the teams using it. There will be the advantage of more jobs coming to the area, which has to be a good thing in these difficult times and to those who are not football or rugby fans, perhaps there could be the chance to host entertainment events outside of the season. Perhaps shows or concerts. Who know's. Those "fans" from WWFC who say that Hayes only wants to line his own pocket were happy to take his money when they were in financial trouble. The guy is a business man, why shouldn't he expect to be rewarded for his expertise and vision. This stadium could truly put Wycombe on the map and that means revenue coming to the town.

Phredd wrote:
Just sat through and watched the video of the press conference, and noted that the Council part of the money will come from land/property sales. the proceeds of which the Council is not allowed to put into services. Did a quick check with a friend who is in the legal department of another council, and he has confirmed this to be the case. I seem to remember being told that the Casey(KC?) stadium (used by Hull Footy and Rugby clubs). was funded in the same way I don't know where the feasibility study money, or the stadium development manager salary is being funded from though!

Silly, haven't you seen your rates bill. Sorry if it has not yet been delivered.
See planning.

Spoke with Adam this afternoon, said Eden wasn't all what it was cracked up to be.
Said the woman offered him the golden fruit ... found a wasp in it.
As a result he lost a son, but he was a bit of a wanderer anyway.

Dip 51 wrote:
For goodness sake. Give em a break! Adams Park is in a bad location and frankly does not reflect the aspirations of the teams using it. There will be the advantage of more jobs coming to the area, which has to be a good thing in these difficult times and to those who are not football or rugby fans, perhaps there could be the chance to host entertainment events outside of the season. Perhaps shows or concerts. Who know's. Those "fans" from WWFC who say that Hayes only wants to line his own pocket were happy to take his money when they were in financial trouble. The guy is a business man, why shouldn't he expect to be rewarded for his expertise and vision. This stadium could truly put Wycombe on the map and that means revenue coming to the town.

Cheam? See original>>>
Do we know someone who lives near there?

Embarrassing.

What happened to the national stadium when alternative uses were found - can't play proper FOOTBALL on it any more.

Untrue that anyone was "happy" to take money from the local Shylock.

They just weren't aware of what the interest rate was likely to be.

"So he sold his birthright unto Jacob"
Genesis 25

hondo wrote:

A VOTER wrote:

Phredd wrote: I have made it clear, previously, that, if the council wants to spend money on sports, it would be better to spend it helping the myriad of small amateur clubs in the area that actually help raise the fitness levels of our areas youngsters, rather than encouraging them to go and watch a well paid few sportsmen. However what many people here have failed to note is that, although the council will own the site it will be getting rent from Wanderers/Wasps. With a well-written lease agreement it could end up bringing lots of money in to the council. As for Adams Park being in the greenbelt - Wanderers never wanted it there - they were forced into it by the previous council administration.

OK, so if the council owns the site, and will be getting rent for it, how many years will it take to break even? I believe that an average stadium now costs about £500 million to build. What WDC services and facilities are going to be cut to pay for that? And how much are our councilors going to get as back-handers in recognition of their support?

Wrong, Phredd about Adams Park. WDC vehemently resisted and rejected planning for Adams Park, supported by the police and everyone else with any common sense at the time. Then they ran out of money to legally oppose. This was argued as intended to release Loakes Park for hospital development ....... yes!? OK.? Planning was eventually granted, on appeal, by the Conservative government of the time. The rules at specified for "recreation" since it was in Green Belt. It was, however, developed by Mr Beeks (who may or may not have friends in the government of the time), as a commercial enterprise with a view to it eventually being removed from Green Belt and becoming even more commercial. Looks like that may happen? Worth asking, however, if since Adams Park was "allowed" for "recreation", could it be developed for anything else even though it has been removed from Green Belt. Meanwhile WDC is probably over a barrel now, having an "agreement" with the local itinerant, since they will not be able to reject any planning for Booker Air Park. Mind you three quarters of a million pounds of ratepayers' money might have paid for adequate legal advice. This is the last throw of the dice for our gamblers anonymous council who have already squandered £M2.5 of our money and hope to get it back this way. "If you build it, they still won't come"

For the record, Hillbottom Road was WWFC's third choice of site for the ground. WDC opposed the other two, just as they opposed this one. Had the club not appealed to the Government they would probably still be at Loakes Park!

Phredd wrote:
Just sat through and watched the video of the press conference, and noted that the Council part of the money will come from land/property sales. the proceeds of which the Council is not allowed to put into services. Did a quick check with a friend who is in the legal department of another council, and he has confirmed this to be the case. I seem to remember being told that the Casey(KC?) stadium (used by Hull Footy and Rugby clubs). was funded in the same way I don't know where the feasibility study money, or the stadium development manager salary is being funded from though!

Funding for the feasibility is from the capital budget, directly from the taxpayer to you and me; this money is also coming from cuts to services, closure of Holywell mead pool etc.

As for not being able to sell land for other uses, which law or standing-orders prevents them from doing so?

I think the leisure facilities are a good idea in theory as long as the community is able to use them and they are not too expensive. I think that this will not be the case. I think the council would get more support if they did not always seem to be conducting themselves in a underhand manner and everything was done 'transparently' and not behind closed doors making themselves look shifty. I for one will not be voting for lesley at the next election. I think her days are numbered if public opinion is anything to go by!!!!

hondo wrote:

Dip 51 wrote: For goodness sake. Give em a break! Adams Park is in a bad location and frankly does not reflect the aspirations of the teams using it. There will be the advantage of more jobs coming to the area, which has to be a good thing in these difficult times and to those who are not football or rugby fans, perhaps there could be the chance to host entertainment events outside of the season. Perhaps shows or concerts. Who know's. Those "fans" from WWFC who say that Hayes only wants to line his own pocket were happy to take his money when they were in financial trouble. The guy is a business man, why shouldn't he expect to be rewarded for his expertise and vision. This stadium could truly put Wycombe on the map and that means revenue coming to the town.

Cheam? See original>>> Do we know someone who lives near there? Embarrassing. What happened to the national stadium when alternative uses were found - can't play proper FOOTBALL on it any more. Untrue that anyone was "happy" to take money from the local Shylock. They just weren't aware of what the interest rate was likely to be. "So he sold his birthright unto Jacob" Genesis 25

Yes, people do travel a long way to see a match, even from Cheam! However it is a rugby match not football. Even if WWFC cannot rise to the challenge, Wasps can and they will bring the money from far and wide to Wycombe. They deserve the added capacity and facilities. Perhaps WWFC fans should look at what happened to Wimbledon FC. When they started to climb the league ladder, their local council refused permission to expand the stadium. Now fans find themselves trekking to Milton Keynes to watch them play and all of their hard earned cash goes to that borough. Wycombe Council are backing their team yet all they get is mistrust and sniping from luddites who wouldn't know an opportunity if it bit them on the backside!

**** steve hayes building a new stadium ? :@ how about he **** starts paying the ballboys, and moves them into a propper room rather than a **** storeroom, yes a storeroom !!!
how can he think about a new stadium when these things are going on at adam's park !!!
and yes he does know about it because many people have complained about it !!!!!!!

Dip 51 wrote:

hondo wrote:

Dip 51 wrote: For goodness sake. Give em a break! Adams Park is in a bad location and frankly does not reflect the aspirations of the teams using it. There will be the advantage of more jobs coming to the area, which has to be a good thing in these difficult times and to those who are not football or rugby fans, perhaps there could be the chance to host entertainment events outside of the season. Perhaps shows or concerts. Who know's. Those "fans" from WWFC who say that Hayes only wants to line his own pocket were happy to take his money when they were in financial trouble. The guy is a business man, why shouldn't he expect to be rewarded for his expertise and vision. This stadium could truly put Wycombe on the map and that means revenue coming to the town.

Cheam? See original>>> Do we know someone who lives near there? Embarrassing. What happened to the national stadium when alternative uses were found - can't play proper FOOTBALL on it any more. Untrue that anyone was "happy" to take money from the local Shylock. They just weren't aware of what the interest rate was likely to be. "So he sold his birthright unto Jacob" Genesis 25

Yes, people do travel a long way to see a match, even from Cheam! However it is a rugby match not football. Even if WWFC cannot rise to the challenge, Wasps can and they will bring the money from far and wide to Wycombe. They deserve the added capacity and facilities. Perhaps WWFC fans should look at what happened to Wimbledon FC. When they started to climb the league ladder, their local council refused permission to expand the stadium. Now fans find themselves trekking to Milton Keynes to watch them play and all of their hard earned cash goes to that borough. Wycombe Council are backing their team yet all they get is mistrust and sniping from luddites who wouldn't know an opportunity if it bit them on the backside!

Wycombe District Council's 'team', are the taxpayers that fund them, if one doesn't want to be mistrusted then be trustworthy; secret meetings, lack of information and shifty responses aren't going to endear the Council or their policies.

mrs clark how many back handers are you getting wat are the benefits how is it you carnt keep council tax down but you can help your buddys with there busness plans we in wycombe need better roads lower taxes not a running track the sooner you are out the better for us all

Oh no! The next Eden. The first Eden is a bloody mess, now a stadium. Why do the people of wycombe want more thugs hurtling through there streets. Another opportunity for the increase in crime.
Try sorting out our high street and frogmoor before a sports stadium.
The whole press conference was staged and they have not taken into the account the people of High Wycombe. As far as the comment goes regarding people writing to the club, a letter or comment has more impact in the press then it does direct to the club.
Shove the stadium where the sun don't shine.

Dip 51 doesn't mind travelling all the way from Cheam to Booker to watch a rugby match.
Nonsuch Park described as "about the size of a football pitch"
Not enough presents for Cheam Village Council then?
Luddites resisted improvements in technology, not feudalism or dictatorship.

Works from home wrote:
I think the leisure facilities are a good idea in theory as long as the community is able to use them and they are not too expensive. I think that this will not be the case. I think the council would get more support if they did not always seem to be conducting themselves in a underhand manner and everything was done 'transparently' and not behind closed doors making themselves look shifty. I for one will not be voting for lesley at the next election. I think her days are numbered if public opinion is anything to go by!!!!

Community able to use them and not to expensive !!
Ever tried to hire our "Community" Town Hall ( Managed by Swan)
Bloody expensive and over £500, must use their caterers and bar !!!
That is not exactly community hall prices !!
Hayes Stadium would be similar rip off deal im sure !!!

Since there was no facility to comment on the headline "Woman Charged with Theft and Fraud" I felt this was an appropriate option.