Background
For over 15 years we have been discussing with the Local Authority, Elmbridge Borough Council (who own the ground), the best way forward for the club. In 2006, Elmbridge directed us to explore commercial/community possibilities at Stompond Lane. After much research, debate and effort Walton & Hersham FC produced a plan, which Elmbridge broadly supported. However, since then there appears to have been considerable backtracking by the council.
The Council’s New Plans
Elmbridge have now made a completely new proposal which involves Walton & Hersham FC moving to another ground. The Council proposes to build a new stand to be shared between Walton & Hersham FC, Walton Athletic Club (who currently share our site) and Walton Casuals FC and intend to sell our ground at Stompond Lane to fund the project. There are fears that between 30 and 50 houses could be built on the Stompond Lane site.
Our Plans
Our plans are very similar to what was originally agreed with Elmbridge. We propose:
- New football facilities, including moving the existing pitch
- A lifestyle centre
- A Medical Super Surgery
- A large nursery
10 new houses will be built along Stompond Lane. These will be used to fund the move of Walton Athletic Club to a new facility and also act as an additional buffer to those residents on the opposite side of the road.
Staying at Stompond Lane
There are many reasons we want to be able to stay at our home, Stompond Lane:
- Stompond Lane has been our home for almost 80 years.
- Many of our supporters, as well as members of our youth squad live close to the site.
- The Club can become self-financing.The land was originally gifted to Elmbridge Borough Council for community facilities, including sport, and acts as a ‘lung’ close to the Town Centre.
- We do not want to move to a place where we are unable to attract the community facilities that will assist the funding of the club.
Why we need your support
Overall we feel Elmbridge have allowed our facilities to deteriorate and that we have been neglected over many years.
Our plans offer the chance for Walton & Hersham FC to become independent and self-financing, develop better facilities for our supporters and members, and improve our work in the community. We therefore urge you to sign our petition in support of our proposals for the club, reflecting our long tenure at the ground and our long history in the town of Walton on Thames (115 years – founded 1896).
We look forward to you recording your support.
If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch:
Call – 0800 458 6976
Email – waltonandhershamfc@yourshout.org
Text – 07797 806537
Sign the petition
We, the undersigned, recognise that Walton & Hersham FC is a longstanding part of the town and borough’s history – having existed for over 100 years – and that sport is an important part of the culture of Elmbridge. We believe the club should remain at Stompond Lane and support the club in its aims to achieve this without costing the local Council Taxpayer.
The information you provide will be held and analysed by Indigo Public Affairs. Copies will be made available to the relevant planning authority so it can note your comments. We will, however, request that your personal details are not placed on the public record. Your personal details will be held securely by Indigo Public Affairs and, in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998, will be used solely in connection with this consultation and any subsequent planning applications and, except as noted above, will not be passed to any third parties.
Get the word out!
Download a Petition Form