Stadium insight on hold

TODAY’S meeting to reveal plans for Oldham Athletic’s controversial proposed new stadium has been put on hold.

The event, in Failsworth, was part of the football club’s bid to consult with the public on its plans.

And there was to have been an exhibition of the £20 million, 12,000-seater stadium with community sports facilities proposed for a 30 acre site off Broadway.

Latics chiefs announced today that the six-hour event, at the Lancaster Club, Failsworth, has been postponed and blames Oldham Council for dragging its feet.

Managing director Simon Corney said: “It is with regret that we have had to make the decision not to go ahead with the consultation, but, following legal advice, we have no alternative but to postpone it for the time being.

“There are wider issues relating to our plans that we have been waiting to discuss with Oldham Council and these remain unresolved.

“Officers of Oldham Council have been unavailable for a meeting with us since receiving undetermined notification from the Charity Commission about the status of the land at Failsworth two weeks ago.

“We were hoping that a meeting could have been arranged prior to the public consultation but that has not occurred. As such, we feel unable to continue to promote our scheme and raise expectations at this time.

“This is a major disappointment to us and we apologise to local residents and fans for matters which are beyond our control.

“We hope to have these matters resolved with Oldham Council soon and to be able to reschedule.”