Caldicot in trouble after date mix-up (From Free Press Series)

Caldicot in trouble after date mix-up

THE FUTURE of Caldicot Football Club is hanging in the balance, with crisis talks being arranged, after its chairman stands accused of breaking a council ruling.

Club chairman Rob Jones claims to have misunderstood instructions given to him via a phone call from the town clerk, where he was told the football pitch should not be played on until Monday, August 1.

The chain of events began following an 'extremely urgent' committee meeting held on Saturday, June 26, with several councillors to discuss the condition of the pitch. They went on to decide certain areas needed returfing and ordered new turf.

The full council met on June 30, where it was discussed that contractors Willow Landscape had recommended that the football pitch would not be ready to be played on for matches planned for July 17.

It was the next day Mr Jones says he received a telephone call from the town clerk, after which the dates got mixed up and the matches went ahead on July 17, 19 and 22.

Then on July 23 - after the events, Mr Jones says he received a hand delivered letter stating the dates the fields should not be used.

He says he now now fears for the future of the club, which has used the fields for the past 50 years. "Having received the written confirmation it would seem I misconstrued the dates," said Mr Jones.

"I would never have deliberately gone against a council ruling and put this club in jeopardy - it's not in anybody's interest to do that.

"This club is used by the children in the community and they would suffer if we were unable to continue being provided with this much-needed source of recreation. I hope the council are understanding when dealing with this crucial decision."

Town mayor Ron Stewart said: "We want this matter resolved once and for all and stop the continuing battle between the council and the football club."

Gayle McIntyre town clerk said: "I can confirm that a special meeting is being arranged for next week to discuss the situation."