"Ashamed of Great Coates"

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 23/07/2000

"I'm Ashamed of Great Coates"

News From 15th July 2000

A Great Coates resident has expressed his dismay over the decision by North East Lincolnshire County Council to block GTFC's move to a new stadium in his village. Paul Vessey of Woad Lane in Great Coates also speaks with anger about some of his neighbours who headed the villager's campaign, who he views as "a few NIMBY nutters in the Civic Society", and he also has some interesting comments on the voting process.

Paul's full message to Rob is below...

I have just read your article and I too am completely devastated by the decision.

I am also a resident of Great Coates (Woad Lane) and have voted firmly in support both on GTFC's survey and the planning notice sent by the council to all residents.

I am also ashamed that all Great Coates residents are tarred with the same brush as a few NIMBY nutters in the Civic Society. (there's a democratic organisation if ever there was one - not!).

You need to be aware that those on the council who perhaps would have a greater understanding of the new stadium where prevented from voting. Any councillor who attends more than 50% of games or is a season ticket holder are automatically ruled out and must express an 'interest'. Although it can mean simply a 'strong interest' in the football club and to make it really unhelpful this term was left undefined!

This is based on a legal case based around Liverpool's expansion of Anfield, where a judge ruled that councillors should not have been involved with such an 'interest'. Clearly a big footie supporter himself - not !.

Should you decide to stand and be elected you would also be unable to vote on the issue - leaving it to clowns not the slightest bit interested in the soul of our community.

How do I know this - I have a relative who is a councillor - and a season ticket holder - and one of those excluded from contributing to one of the most important decisions in the life of our community.

I am simplly amazed at so called 'politicians' that fly in the face of such overwhelming public opinion.

It was also recommended by the planning officers!

Those that voted against certainly should be named and shamed. Perhaps they just do not understand the depth of feeling there is and the sense of identity our club gives to the community.

Paul Vessey
Woad Lane
Great Coates

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