MP Bob arranges stadium tour for U's campaigners

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 20th May 2008

Some of the leading campaigners for a new home for Colchester United Football Club have been given a guided tour of the new Stadium at Cuckoo Farm - thanks to Town MP Bob Russell who stepped in and made the arrangements after he heard that the Football Club had said that such a visit was not possible.

Mr Russell accompanied some of the members of the "Stadium Now" campaigners. They were joined by three members of the Club's supporters from Sweden who were in Colchester for the final game at Layer Road.

Mr Russell said that he was amazed to hear that the Football Club had not been willing or able to arrange a visit. "It was the campaigning by thousands of individual supporters, led by the Stadium Now fans, which did so much to create the climate for the Borough Council to be persuaded to proceed with the Stadium project after the then Leader of the Council three years ago said it was not going to be built. Without the campaigners, I do not believe it would have happened.

"I was therefore stunned and angry when the Club would not arrange a visit. So I contacted the Stadium builders, Barr, and they very kindly agreed to show a small group round. It took a simple letter and a couple of phone calls to organise. That's all."

Mr Russell added that he wished more "genuine U's fans" could have the opportunity to visit the Stadium as it nears completion, but he accepted there had to be limits on numbers.

"Those who were shown round were most grateful. The contrast between Layer Road and the new Stadium is obvious - what is currently not so obvious is the huge difference between the plush facilities for those who will occupy corporate hospitality and executive boxes and what rank and file U's fans will get elsewhere."