NTFC Supporters Limited held an open meeting on Friday 11th August - Consideration was given to feedback and evidence from NBC and NTFC on matters relating to the Sixfields leasehold, the Core Area Strategy (CAS) and Area Action Plan (AAP) in respect of the planned redevelopment of Sixfields Stadium.
It was recognised that the issues relating to the CAS and AAP were extremely complex and extended beyond the specific matters relating to enabling developments for Sixfields Stadium. It was further recognised that actions and decisions taken by NBC in relation to this strategy and plan had to be robust and able to withstand full scrutiny.
However, there was unanimous agreement that the lack of progress by NBC over the last 4 years, and the news of a further delay to possibly November 2007, was wholly unacceptable and presented a major risk to the future viability of NTFC and League Football in Northampton.
The decision was therefore taken and approved to begin an extended campaign immediately to:
Further raise awareness amongst the Cobblers supporters' base and wider community of the issues, potentially missed opportunities, costs and risks to NTFC, NBC and community associated with inaction and ongoing delays by the council.
Press NBC to give priority to driving this development process forward, in partnership with NTFC, and to bring timescales back in line with the timeframe it set itself in January 2006.
Respectfully advise NBC of the potentially negative messages further inaction/delays on their part were likely to send out to the local electorate about the ability of the present council to manage development planning affairs efficiently and effectively as we move towards an election year.
The following actions in support of the campaign were proposed:
To further investigate the viability and where practicable implement, various options for the publicised protest at the home match against Bristol City on Tuesday 29th August that would attract the attention of the local and national media.
This would include banners, protest cards, leaflets etc. to explore the feasibility of issuing car stickers with one of the slogans for the campaign.
To explore the feasibility of buying in t-shirts displaying one of the slogans for the campaign.
To consider compiling a 2nd petition to the council in support of the stadium development plans, with a view to publicly presenting this at the Guildhall at a future date to continue to use the local media at every opportunity to highlight the issues and to publicise future actions.
Further more:
Seek clarification of issues relating to the inter-relationship between the CAS, Area Action Plan and amendments to the current leasehold with the aim of progressing decisions regarding the enabling developments for Sixfields Stadium as quickly as possible.
Seek expert advice from Supporters Direct on the issues involved and further actions that NTFC SL could and should undertake to facilitate and support negotiations and decisions.
Respectfully request that members of NBC and WNDC declare any interests that might influence their positions in relation to the development plans.
For the Supporters Rep Director on the NTFC Board to obtain full copy of the current leasehold and to clarify with NTFC precisely what changes are required to this lease in support of NTFC's development plans.
Request that NTFC re-publish details of its future development plans and to remind all parties involved of the benefits these developments are likely to bring to the football club and local community.
Respectfully request that NBC and NTFC continue to keep NTFC SL fully informed of further developments, progress and problems.
Respectfully request that NTFC continue to identify and implement efficiency savings, with due attention to service quality, while negotiations with NBC continue.
Some of the suggestions for campaign slogans included:
No Action No Vote
We've moved up, let's move on
Clock face displaying the years negotations have taken, and the message NBC - Your time's up Tell us the truth.
No more excuses.
No Development - No vote.
'Sixfields development NOW!'
'We support the Cobblers - why don't our Council?'
'40,000 went to Wembley - help us make room for them at Sixfields'
'Northampton has a great football team - give them a great stadium'
