Cromer Town warn they could fold over controversial council move

Pic: Twitter.com/CromerTownFC

CROMER TOWN have warned they could fold as a result of controversial plans to build a medical centre at their Cabbell Park home.

The Anglian Combination outfit held a public meeting on Thursday night to make clear the plight facing the Norfolk club, who have been based at Cabbell Park since 1922.

North Norfolk District Council, which is responsible for the site, intend to sell the front portion of the ground to build a new medical centre, requiring the pitch to be moved to the other end of the ground.

The move, however, will also see NNDC takeover Cromer’s clubhouse and another plot will not be provided meaning a loss of income of around £13,000 a year.

The club’s car boot sales may not be allowed to continue either bringing a further loss of approximately £8,000 income the club generates each year.

With costs for hiring toilets, storage facilities and the use of Cromer Academy’s dressing rooms also factored in, the club face a huge fight to stay alive.

A club statement read: “Following a number of years of discussion and debate, it has become aware that they (North Norfolk District Council) are now removing items that had previously been intended to be carried out.

“In making this move NNDC will take over the football club clubhouse (without compensation) and will not be providing any alternative facility on the ground thus depriving the club of a base to entertain opposition and club supporters, as well as a facility that currently hosts weekly community bingo and other functions.

“Following the public meeting, and this club statement, we would be pleased to hear from anyone who is interested in getting involved with the running of the club to see if it is possible to salvage some or all of the teams, however any persons interested must be aware of the need to raise sufficient finance to keep the club going.

“We do not want to see this great club fold, however should no help be forthcoming, this is the only course of action available to the club.”

NNDC leader Tom FitzPatrick said: “The council’s priority is to improve housing and infrastructure and improve people’s health and wellbeing.

“This scheme has the potential to answer both those priorities by enabling a modern-day medical facility to be built while providing improved sports playing fields for the community to use.”