Newport Harriers

Newport Harriers feel that we have to respond to the article "Council Slated by County Followers" printed in Monday's Argus. We sympathise with Newport A.F.C.'s plight in that if they win the league they cannot be promoted without major investment in the stadium. However the article contained some omissions and inaccuracies that need correcting. Firstly we were all disappointed when Newport A.F.C. ere compelled to play over the border in England because of the internal politics of the Football

Association of Wales. That decision was the reason why the stadium was not completed in the first place. Newport A.F.C. had promised a package, backed by a brewery which would have seen a comprehensively larger bar, a directors room, fitness suite, and a much larger main stand. When they withdrew from the stadium development it was to the Council's credit that they continued with the project in partnership with Newport Harriers Athletics Club. It has to be stressed here that aside from Newport Borough Council, Newport Harriers are the only users of the stadium with capital tied up in the premises. We gave up our clubhouse at the Glebelands to the local authority in return for a new home at Spytty Stadium. Newport A.F.C. would not have had a home to return to had it not been for the vision and commitment of both Newport Borough Council and Newport Harriers Athletic Club. So first point Newport Borough Council did not renege on an agreement, Newport A.F.C. did, albeit due to circumstances beyond their control.

The second point we want to stress is that whilst football provides entertainment for many at the stadium, the athletics facility is used by many hundreds of people of a variety of ages and social backgrounds. And it is important to recognise that the concept of the stadium from the outset was a community provision. A facility that would cater both for athletics and football. At one stage American Football was considered as an additional use of the venue, but dropped for fear of damage to the pitch from excessive use. The stadium is the home and headquarters of both Newport Harriers and Lliswerry Runners athletic clubs. Both clubs have a considerable number of members whose fees alongside those of Albion Rovers and contributions of the ratepayers of Newport kept the stadium open whilst Newport A.F.C. were playing in England. Also it is our belief that a solution to the dilemma can be found if Newport County A.F.C. are prepared to work in a spirit of partnership with Newport County Borough Council. If they are confrontational and continue with their threats of moving out they will damage relationships with a friend. (we for our part are more than willing to co-operate with Newport A.F.C./County as long as such co-operation is based on partnerships. We do not in any respect see ourselves as juniors in any such partnerships.)

As for having the athletic clubs at another venue, there are no plans for that and it is not a reasonable option. Building another stadium whilst extending and re-developing Spytty would cost millions of pounds which the council does not have. The running costs alone of separate venues would be prohibitive. Welsh Assembly approval would be required and the cost would probably be similar to the cost of the school to be built at the Glebelands. A project which eliminates the use of the Glebelands in any case.

Ken Goodger (Press Officer)