WEST ALLOTMENT CELTIC say they have been forced to withdraw from the Northern League after the Northumberland FA greatly increased their annual rent.
West Allotment’s Whitley Park home is owned by the Northumberland FA and overlooked by their offices in Benton.
The club have been involved in the Northern League for the past 12 years and were set to celebrate their 90th anniversary next season.
However, the club as a whole is at risk with Celtic claiming the Northumberland FA have raised their annual rent by 67 per cent.
The current annual cost of playing at Whitley Park stands at £4,500 but they have been told that will increase by £3,000 next season.
Unless a deal can be struck between the two parties, club officials say they will have no option but to quit the Northern League and possibly face closure.
Vice-chairman Jim Wilson told the club’s website, via Luke Vinton,: “We had an increase of 12 per cent last time and thought this would be the same again.
“When it was revealed to be 67 per cent, we could not believe it. We have until the end of May to withdraw the resignation but it feels right now that it will stand.
“The increase equates to £300 per match over a 25 game season. Currently, it is £180 per match.
“The main concern that we have is, if we can somehow raise that amount of money, then what could happen next season. Would the percentage increase again?”
Club secretary Ted Ilderton added: “The people who run the club are all getting old. We are not wanting to be standing around in open fields.
“It is a disaster. We just cannot afford that type of increase. At the moment, it looks as though the club will go unless we can come to some arrangement.
“We are still prepared to sit down and talk. We would like it to be resolved between us and the county FA.”
When asked for comment, the Northumberland FA said: “In light of recent media reports, Northumberland County FA would like to confirm that it is currently in negotiation with West Allotment Celtic over usage of its Whitley Park facility, and no further comment will be made while these negotiations are ongoing.”
