Buckingham Town Football Club
I am writing to you with respect to the situation at Buckingham FC, both in my capacity as local Member of Parliament, and as one of the clubs Vice Presidents.
On Saturday, I met with the Club chairman, Mr Vincent Hyde, with respect to the future of the Club. I was concerned to learn that you, the landlord, have summarily decided- having given no prior indication of your future actions – that you would not renew the lease on the land used by Buckingham FC, and informed Mr Hyde that he has until 10th June to vacate the premises and return the keys.
I need not tell you the concern that this has provoked both within the Club and in Buckingham as a whole, not least because of what is perceived a somewhat callous manner in which they feel this matter has been negotiated. When Mr Hyde took over as chairman last October, there was no suggestion that the lease would not be renewed in May 2011, as it has been for many years previously.
Furthermore, as your purchase agreement for the land is consequent upon the understanding that Buckingham FC is allowed to remain the tenant, I would be interested in your reasons for breaking this covenant.
Finally, as the pitch is constructed on a floodplain with no hope of ever gaining approval for either business or residential dwellings, it is hard to see what the land could conceivably be used. In spite of this, the Club have offered a number of compromises, including the Club hiring only the pitch from you instead of the pitch and the clubhouse, and paying you an increased fee for the new lease period. These have been refused.
You will appreciate that there is a lot of affection for Buckingham Football Club and that many people are finding your attitude to what is both a historic and community organisation somewhat baffling and unpalatable. You will appreciate that my concern is for the club and my constituents who support it. I should be grateful if, therefore, you would reconsider your decision on renewing the lease, and commit to discussing further prospect of compromise with Mr Hyde and Buckingham FC.
Naturally I would like to write to my constituents again and therefore should appreciate an early reply. I thank you in advance of your consideration of this letter.
Rt. Hon John Bercow MP
Buckingham
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