An east London grassroots football club could be evicted from its playing fields to make way for West Ham United’s new training grounds.
Bealonians FC has played at Oakfield Playing Fields in Fairlop since 2004 but according to the BBC Redbridge Council’s cabinet is set to approve a long-term lease for the site to be signed over to the Hammers
A council report said the Premier League club had put in a “strong bid” for use of the the 19-acre (7.7-hectare) playing fields which include the Jack Carter Pavilion, currently used by he club.
Bealonians’ chairman Terry Barlow said: “It’s a huge blow that Redbridge appear to be following the money and has lost sight of the sustainable, long-term value we bring to the borough, especially as West Ham United already has another site just down the road.
“We’re the oldest and largest grassroots football club in the borough and the potential loss of our club will have a devastating impact on the local community.”
I can’t believe that we would bulldoze a small local club without making it right in some way – that’s not our style.