Relocation News
April 09, 2008
 AN INVITATION TO VIEW THE PLANS FOR THE RELOCATION OF GRAYS ATHLETIC FOOTBALL CLUB
Supporters are cordially invited to visit the Clubhouse at the end of the game against Halifax Town this Saturday 12 April to view the plans for the relocation of the Club. Club officials and advisers will be there to deal with any questions raised.
The proposed move has already provoked considerable discussion amongst supporters and raised some questions.
The most common ones, with a brief response from the Board of Directors, are set out below:
Question: Why is the Club not moving to Blackshots?
Answer: Over the past 15 years the Club has pursued a move to Blackshots. Unfortunately, there is a covenant on land in this area which states that its use must be maintained for the general public. Whilst requests for covenants to be varied or discharged are possible, it can be a protracted and costly exercise with no guarantee of success. There was an offer from Thurrock Council to ground share with the Thurrock Rugby Club, but we prefer to be in charge of our own destiny so other locations have been examined.
Question: Why can‘t the Club stay in Grays or the immediate vicinity?
Answer: Your Board of Directors has looked at many sites in many parts of the Borough. Feasibility studies have been conducted on several locations and advice taken from Thurrock Council. Unfortunately, there was nowhere available in the Grays area that met the requirements of both ground and associated facilities.
Question: Will the Recreation Ground continue to be used for football?
Answer: The club have no say in how the ground is developed, The Recreation Ground is owned by the Billings family and the land is being sold to Galliard Homes and Fairview Homes who will have their own plans for the development, The Billings family have generously agreed to donate part of the sale towards the new development for Grays Athletic
Question: Will transport be available for local supporters who otherwise would not be able to get to the new ground?
Answer: Yes. Senior Citizen will be offered free transport on local bus services to the new location and other supporters will be able to get concessionary rates, further details will be made available as things progress. This service will be available for a minimum of two seasons.
Question: Will the Club be changing its name?
Answer: There are no plans to rename Grays Athletic Football Club.
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