Eight Nottinghamshire MPs write to Nottingham City Council over suggestions Nottingham Forest could leave the City Ground.
MPs Ruth Edwards, Ben Bradley, Tom Randall, Brendan Clarke-Smith, Lee Anderson, Darren Henry, Mark Spencer and Robert Jenrick signed the letter ( attached )
It comes after the club, which has asked for an extension to its lease for the ground, was faced with an increase from £250,000 to £1million for the land – which is owned by Nottingham City Council.
Ruth Edwards, MP for Rushcliffe, where the City Ground is located, said:
“Rushcliffe is proud to be the home of Nottingham Forest. The planned re-development of their stadium will bring significant investment into both Rushcliffe and Nottingham City.
“I very much hope the city council will join Nottinghamshire MPs in recognising the huge cultural, social and economic value the club brings to our area and prioritise securing Forest’s future at the City Ground.”
County Council Leader Ben Bradley MP said:
“Its such a shame that the City Council appear to be preventing this major investment in the city. It’s been going on for a long time and it’s really unhelpful for Nottingham’s economy.
“As a lifelong Forest fan, and a season ticket holder with my son, I want to see the club suceed and fulfill their ambitions to become a permanent fixture in the Premier League. They can’t do that without security over the stadium and the opportunity to expand.
“I’ve already indicated my plans, if elected as regional Mayor, to work with the club on improving the grass roots game and facilities, and the same goes for this. I’ll be pro-business, pro-investment, and change this culture where the Council are holding the City back.”
