Theresa May criticises council decision on Braywick Park and Maidenhead United

Maidenhead's MP Theresa May has spoken out in support of Maidenhead United's desired move to Braywick Park.

Its York Road stadium is no longer considered by the club to be fit for purpose and it wants to be able to set up a new stadium at the park.

This would require the releasing of public open space there.

The move has been planned for some time – but the new Lib Dem administration decided to block the release of the open space at a cabinet meeting in July, citing concerns over the protection of previous open green space.

Last month, Maidenhead United said it is preparing to take legal action against the council over the decision.

The Magpies struck a deal to buy the land from the council for £460,000 in April 2022 and feel the Borough is not meeting its 'contractual obligations' to the club.

There have also been two petitions launched; one backing of Maidenhead United and a counter petition calling on the council to stand by its decision.

Those in favour of the council’s call include Maidenhead Rugby Club, which is already located at Braywick Park.

On the other side is the football club, many of its supporters and Maidenhead Athletic Club. This club would also benefit from the release of the open space, which would allow it to improve its facilities.

Last week, the council leader Simon Werner asked at a cabinet meeting for the council's decision to be discussed by cabinet again at a future meeting.

Now it has been revealed that Theresa May will meet the football and athletic clubs to discuss Braywick Park next week, as she is supportive of their ability to expand.

“The proposed move to Braywick Park would have provided better facilities for both football and athletics and critically would have increased the facilities for the community,” said the Conservative MP.

“The council’s decision has put all of this in jeopardy.

“Given the importance of encouraging people to take exercise and get involved in sport, I’m worried about the impact, particularly on women and girls’ football.

“I look forward to meeting both Maidenhead United FC and Maidenhead Athletic Club to hear the impact of the council’s decision and discuss what can be done to support the clubs.

“The council say they will look again at the decision, which is welcome, but they need to say what they will do to provide these much-needed improved facilities.”

The Windsor and Maidenhead council says it is standing by its previous statement; provided to the Advertiser on October 17.

A council spokesperson said that cabinet ‘carefully considered the proposed disposal of open space’ at Braywick Park.

This took into account ‘the benefits, alongside any negative consequences of loss of public open space’ and had ‘regard to the objections received.’

With ‘a full and detailed report’ cabinet ‘decided that the loss of public open space in this location outweighed the potential benefits’ of leasing to Maidenhead United.

The borough added that this was ‘a difficult decision, based on significant considerations raised in the public objections.’