Homeless Tigers on council's agenda

Published in Gloucester Citizen Newspaper on Tue 25th Nov 2008

THE spotlight will once again fall on Gloucester City Football club's quest to find a new home this week.

After City MP Parmjit Dhanda highlighted their plight in the House of Commons following an End-of-Day Adjournment Debate on Monday, November 10, it is now the turn of powers closer to home to pick up the torch.

The issue will be debated at a meeting of the city council on Thursday night with the discussion led by Liberal Democrat leader Coun Jeremy Hilton of Kingsholm and Wotton.

The Tigers have been homeless since their Meadow Park ground was severely damaged during the floods of 2007.

The ground is uninsurable as it has been hit three times by floods in the last 15 years.

This season City have been forced to play their home matches at Cirencester Town's ground, the Corinium Stadium, making fans endure a 40-mile round trip each week.

Liberal Democrat leader Hilton said: "The club needs a new ground in Gloucester in order that it can survive and thrive.

"I am unhappy with the support that the city council has offered the club so far, which is why I have lodged my motion for debate.

"A city the size of Gloucester should have a successful football team.

"Politicians from all parties should be working closely with the club to find them a new site for a new ground.

"I hope that I will get unanimous support at council next Thursday."

Gloucester have the rest of this season and then the whole of next year at Cirencester before they find themselves homeless once again.

The supporter's long journeys away from Gloucester are costing the club revenue as attendances and profits are both taking a hit.