A FORMAL notice issued by Rugby Borough Council to Coventry Stadium owners Brandon Estates has been appealed, with a court hearing scheduled to take place next month.
Issued on September 26 of last year, the notice stated the Council ‘is satisfied that Brandon Estates’ conduct is having a detrimental effect on the quality of life of others in the locality’.
The notice highlighted several requirements which Brandon Estates had to fulfil before 8am on October 9, 2017.
The requirements included:
1. To ensure no waste or unsightly items accumulate on the land to such an extent as to be detrimental to the quality of life of others in the locality.
2. To adequately secure the site against access from unauthorised persons or groups, including gypsies or travellers.
3. To suitably and sufficiently secure Coventry Stadium to resist attempts at access by unauthorised persons.
4. To regularly monitor the land at least once a fortnight.
5. To ensure residents’ quality of life is not deterred as a result of unauthorised access, waste or otherwise.
Since the issue of this notice, travellers have broken into the venue’s car park and set fire to buildings, including one of the stadium’s former turnstile blocks.
The two fires, started on the evening of Sunday, January 7, are being treated by police as arson.
Despite local residents calling emergency services to put the fires out, Brandon Estates told us security measures at the stadium comply with the notice (see above) issued by Rugby Borough Council in September.
As a result of this view, a court hearing will take place on Thursday, February 8.
History since Brandon Estates took over Coventry Stadium:
The appeal by Brandon Estates follows months of uncertainty regarding the former speedway venue, which was purchased by Jersey-based Brandon Estates in 2015.
The stadium continued to operate for the 2016 season, but an off-track multi-party dispute during the 2016/17 off-season resulted in the closure of the venue.
Since Brandon Estates were handed the keys on January 1, the stadium has declined significantly – with many fans questioning Brandon Estates’ commitment to securing the site.
Last summer, travellers broke into the stadium on two occasions – in early June and early September.
In June, Brandon Estates told us: “The site has a specialist security system in place as recommended by our insurers.”
It was after the travellers appeared for a second time that Rugby Borough Council issued the former notice pursuant to Section 43 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Responding to the notice, Brandon Estates dumped tonnes earth outside the stadium to ‘improve security’.
They have since appealed the notice.
What Rugby Borough Council say:
Rugby Borough Council are still working with Brandon Estates to reach an agreement regarding the notice issued.
A spokesman for Rugby Borough Council said: “The council served a Community Protection Notice on Brandon Estates on September 26, 2017. The terms of the notice included securing the stadium site.
“Brandon Estates has lodged an appeal against the notice, with a court hearing scheduled to take place on February 6, 2018.
“However, talks between the council and Brandon Estates are continuing in an attempt to reach an amicable agreement to achieve compliance with the notice.”
