The PC would like to clarify matters with regard to (mis)information on the Quendon and Rickling Facebook Group regarding the Football pitch.
 
1. We have not prohibited use of the Football pitch. Ted Crow is still permitted to run the pitch under the terms of the lease. There is no reason why he cannot continue to run it. In fact ,we support that and have gifted Ted the football assets so he can continue and given him advice re. obtaining liability waivers from the teams that use it. We have also explained that the use of the existing buildings is in breach of the lease and could expose the PC to a liability claim in the event of an incident that may then not be covered under the policy.
 
2. The PC has however decided to stop subsidising and cash flowing the running costs of the pitch which have accumulated over the years into a substantial deficit i.e. It has been running at a loss which is not sustainable. If Ted can put up fees and run it at break even then that is good news and we support him doing that, but independently.
 
3. We no longer have a village football team. The teams that use it are Elsenham, Seward's End and Bishops Stortford FC's. The pitch therefore does not offer sufficient benefit to the village. We would add that it is also therefore not the best use of public money and of course we are not a lender.
 
4. It is not for Q&R Parish council to provide facilities and cash flow the operations for other villages benefit. We want to invest and support our own village projects that benefit our parishioners e.g. the Rickling Ramblers Cricket Club where we have just provided a substantial grant so the club can purchase much needed covers for the square, clearing of the village ponds, grant to support redecorating and improving the Village etc, all on a very limited annual budget.
 
5. The existence of a football pitch does not protect the village from development. The PC will act accordingly ( and has to date) when further plans come forward. The lease was issued to the PC from Pegasi for 20 years but is subject to 12 months' notice. Therefore, if they want to redevelop, they will simply issue that notice.
 
6. Within the budget we have set aside funds so that we can contract expert professional advice to analyse Pegasi's plans and act accordingly.
 
7. The councillors give up their time voluntarily for the benefit of the village. It is simply not acceptable to post abusive comments on social media ,especially when you are not party to the facts.
 
8. All meeting minutes are posted on the PC website and of course you are all welcome to attend the monthly meetings.