WEALDSTONE have pleaded with Barnet FC to return their calls over a possible move to The Hive once their lease at The Vale expires.
The Stones want to discuss a future groundshare, the right to which is written in the lease to Barnet’s new home, at the Prince Edward Playing Fields, Edgware.
But their pleas have so far fallen on deaf ears, leading to fears as to what will happen if the Stones are made homeless again in five years’ time.
A club statement given to the Observer this week said they have been seeking to discuss future arrangements with Barnet, especially since providing a permanent home ground for Wealdstone formed a central role in the granting of both planning permission and lease.
It pointed out that a report made at a Harrow Council cabinet meeting in July last year stated that the lease provides for Wealdstone to play matches at PEPF on reasonable commercial terms, and the request by Barnet, if approved, would not result in any variation to the clause.
It went on to say councillor Keith Ferry made it extremely clear that Wealdstone continue to have the right to play at the new stadium, and that terms would need to be agreed with Barnet, something which councillor Ferry confirmed in subsequent meetings with representatives of Wealdstone.
The statement added: “Correctly and understandably, Wealdstone wish to discuss how it may exercise its rights at The Hive once the new stadium is completed. To date, however, Wealdstone’s attempts at discussing possible terms and arrangements have been frustrated. This leaves Wealdstone extremely concerned as to its position and it is now forced to consider further action.”
Wealdstone chairman Howard Krais insisted he has no desire to enter into a dispute with Barnet, but said they are getting no straight answers to straightforward questions.
He added: “We have a right to play at the new stadium and we need to understand clearly whether this could be a viable option or not. We have talked on and off with Barnet over several years, since our own plans at PEPF did not come to full fruition through no fault of our own, and after considerable investment in the site. However, with Barnet’s plans to move forward and build the stadium, we now need to bring these discussions to a conclusion.
“We want to know what reasonable commercial terms will be offered to us for playing at the Hive, and whether it will be sustainable for us to do so.
