Poltics
Wednesday 22 February 2023 3:29 pm
The Mayor of Worcester wants the Atlas consortium to be stripped of the Sixways stadium set of abode, plunging the futures of Worcester Warriors and Wasps into recent uncertainty.
Worcester Warriors are set to return to Sixways next year in a controversial deal with Stourbridge RFC, while the club’s recent owners inform Wasps own agreed to play Championship rugby on the stadium.
But these plans will be thrown into doubt after Worcester councillors on Tuesday resolved to write to the neighbouring local authority in which Sixways is positioned, asking them to contain in mind using compulsory purchase orders to seize the land.
Worcester woes
“What I am proposing is that we write to the leader of Wychavon Council and ask that Wychavon Council contain in mind using their CPO [compulsory purchase order] powers to build the set of abode so that a fit and simply partner, as defined by the RFU, can continue to be the dwelling of professional rugby,” said Councillor Adrian Gregson, Mayor of Worcester.
“There are peaceable issues in regards to the character of any settlement with Wasps and what that entails.
“There remain issues about Stourbridge, who’re clearly in a predicament themselves.
“And the foremost narrate for the need of a fit and simply proprietor or partner – which the RFU clearly enact no longer scrutinize in Atlas otherwise they might own approved the proposals.”
Native authorities can legally build land for planning positive aspects and, crucially, the continuation of some uses such as sport. Any utility of these powers ought to peaceable be made by the authority in charge and finished in the general public interest.
“With these remaining questions about funders and motives and the dinky print of the Begbies [Traynor, administrator] deal, there may per chance be peaceable uncertainty and ambiguity and so therefore I imagine that safeguarding the future of the set of abode is of paramount importance,” the councillor added.
The club went into administration last September however own been purchased earlier this month by the consortium fronted by weak chief govt Jim O’Toole and weak professional player James Sandford.
Their initial plans involved scrapping the Worcester Warriors brand however a backlash from followers has forced the two into a screeching U-flip.
At a meeting on Saturday with 550 supporters, it was revealed that Wasps has a deal in principle to play at Sixways from next year while Worcester Warriors will incorporate local facet Stourbridge RFC into their brand – Wasps and Stourbridge are yet to ascertain their settlement to plans.
Any future plans, though, will be thrown into doubt if local authorities did rob adjust of the land.
The Labour councillor’s intent was supported by Conservative Chris Mitchell, though the councillor did inquire of the heavy handedness of the drag.
Stourbridge RFC are set to make a choice whether or no longer to join Worcester Warriors in the coming weeks.
Wychavon Council own been approached for observation.
