Grays Athletic discover Thurrock council’s verdict on moving into the unused Ship Lane stadium, and it is very good news for them.
Officials from the Isthmian League club, along with two young players from its junior ranks, gave in a petition which had 3,715 signatures in support of their bid to take over the former Thurrock FC ground, based in Aveley
Grays were joint applicants in a bid for the site which was being debated earlier in the year and deferred for a site visit by councillors.
As part of the scheme a company called Group One Automotive looked to build a car preparation pre-delivery plant on the site, but his did’t go down well with local residents.
Objectors claimed that the plan will destroy a buffer zone and increase pollution.
Grays Athletic chairman Lee Vehit, club director Rob Seaman and two youngsters handed in the signature petition in support of their application to Thurrock Council’s planning department.
Mr Vehit said, as per Thurrock Nub News: “The club is beyond impressed with the level of support shown by local residents and the non league footballing family who have really got behind the clubs application for Ship Lane. In comparison objectors to the application handed in a 600 signature petition ahead of the last planning committee meeting, so we believe it is clear that there is clear support for our application.
“The decision on Thursday night will surely be the biggest night in the club’s 133 year history. After becoming homeless in 2010 through the redevelopment of the New Rec, the club for 13 years now has led a nomadic life, groundsharing at clubs around the borough and for a short time outside Thurrock completely.
“The club would like to say a huge thank you to every single resident of Thurrock, not just those from Grays but many who have signed from the Aveley and Ockendon areas and further afield. Your support for this application has been incredible and we thank you all for the support shown.
“We now look to Thursday, the club couldn’t have done any more to stress to Thurrock Council how important this decision is and the benefits that it will bring not only to the club but Thurrock as a whole.
“Please join us on Thursday night at Thurrock Council Civic Offices at 5.30pm to show your support for the club and the application.”
Well, the vote has took place and it has been approved in Grays Athletic’s favour, leading to huge cheers in the room.
This was provisionally. If ratified at the next committee meeting it will then have to go to the Secretary of State as it is against the planning officer’s recommendation.
— Grays Athletic Football Club (@GraysAthleticFC) July 13, 2023
CLUB STATEMENT:
First Hurdle in Ship Lane becoming our home overcome
On behalf of our community club, I want to say a huge thank you to each and every person near and far for the incredible support given to the club in trying to secure a permanent home to safeguard our future.
This evening saw us overcome the first pivotal hurdle in ensuring Grays Athletic Community Football Club remains an integral part of Thurrock.
There are still further ratification processes for Thurrock Council to proceed with before the joint application alongside Group 1 can be formally and finally signed off.
In the meantime, Grays Athletic Community Football Club will continue to work hard within our community alongside our partners and allies in ensuring our community programmes continue to serve our residents and provide football opportunities for all.
Here’s what fans are saying as Grays Athletic discover the council’s verdict on moving into the unused stadium…
@KarlJLatham: Brilliant news. Congratulations.
@MANapier22: Congratulations 🥳👏 So so happy for you! The wait is over!!!
@floody1978: Brilliant. A few of the old Thurrock lot have a chat group. Universal agreement that this is good. Please keep a small corner of yellow and green.
@lewis_francis10: It’s about time, congratulations!
@mickpitch: Pleased for you, get in 👍
@manor_eja: Cllr Tom Kelly played a blinder for you 👏🏻
@arber_boy: What great news I’ve just seen it. @GraysAthleticFC get their own ground after many years of being ground sharing. Hard work starts now @LVehit
@wheellew93: WE DID IT!!!! WE ARE NO LONGER HOMELESS!!!!! #GraysAthShipLane
@EastLondonWall: That is FFFing brilliant news!!! Congratulations…. I get the mower ready ! Fantastic news though , deserved
@aaronmulqueenn: Congratulations @GraysAthleticFC. Enjoy your new home!
@JamesLatchford: Chuffed for Grays and great that football will again be played at the home of football Ship Lane.
@stuartdaynes: You know you’re a non league football fan when you watch a council planning meeting live online for a rival club in your league, 70 miles away, and get emotional when they approve (subject to conditions and clarifications) @GraysAthleticFC getting their own stadium.
@TheHammers_: Absolutely amazing news for Grays Athletic fans & the community. Around 13 years without a home, in which the Thurrock council decided to knock down the stadium and build flats instead. They now have a new home & a stadium of their own ❤️
@joelftbl: Brilliant news congrats guys
@JuKeBoX2001: Grew up round the corner from the old stadium absolutely amazing news for the club!
@HarryTheHammer_: Blimey I wasn’t very confident. But get in! At long last a ground to call our own, not in Grays but it’s a big step forwards for our great club 💙
@fredrobot: Fabulous news. Can I stop holding my breath now? 😎
@NonLeagueRover: Congratulations guys 🤩 really happy for all involved. Will pop down for a visit when you move to your new home 😃
@twofatfeet: That’s tremendous news, let’s hope it all goes through quickly and smoothly
@MarkNealOx: Well done!
@Jey_Siva: Great news for the club 🎉
@jakejenner07: Congratulations! So happy for you and everyone associated with the club! 🎉👏
@ooorofincbnxjxj: I understand there’s a series of follow up bits because it was against the planning officers recommendations, what is the likelyhood that this will be upheld and the it remain approved? 🤞🏻
@reecet14: Long overdue, congratulations @GraysAthleticFC and massive well done for not giving up
@Felixseasiders: Perhaps we’ll get more email complaints from opponents for showing our support! But putting aside local difficulties, for non league football fans this is brilliant news! Well done to everyone involved, tireless work and I’m sure a few more hurdles yet, but congratulations! 🤩
You must be logged in to post a comment Login