Club's upgrade threatened by 'legal issues'

A non-league club's plans to upgrade its ground are being delayed because of problems extending its lease.

Bedlington Terriers in Northumberland, which plays in Division Two of the Northern League, wants to spend £600,000 on an artificial pitch and other improvements to Welfare Park.

The club said a new surface would benefit local schools and community groups and would allow more matches and training sessions to take place regardless of the weather.

But Northumberland County Council, which owns the land, said there were legal issues which needed resolving before the lease could be extended.

Money for the scheme is coming as a loan from the government-backed Northstar Social Investment Fund.

Club chairman David Perry said the delay jeopardised "the vital funding" and the club's ability to provide year-round facilities.

"The county council keep saying it's not them, but they are the landlords," he said.

"I have been here 30 years, I've maintained this ground, all the fencing, cutting the pitch, building the stands, all out of my own pocket.

"I've never asked the county council for a penny, so all I'm saying now is give us the lease so we can go forward for the community of Bedlington."

Conservative council leader Glen Sanderson said the situation was "incredibly frustrating" and had taken "far too long".

"If we could make it happen tomorrow it would happen tomorrow but until we can get the agreement of the other parties involved our hands are tied," he said.

"The club have been incredibly patient and we are are doing our best to find a way through."

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