Launching of 'Friends of Hatherop Park'

2.35.58pm GMT Wed 10th Dec 2003

MP Vincent Cable warmly welcomed proposals from local residents to launch a Friends of Hatherop Park and is attending its inaugural meeting on Wednesday at 7pm in the White House, Hampton.

He is particularly concerned that no solution has yet been found to the problem of the local youth football team, Hampton Rangers which, if it is to continue to use the park, requires the rebuilding of the pavilion burnt down by vandals several years ago:

"I have, on several occasions, requested a proper explanation from the council as to what happened to insurance moneys paid for the vandalised pavilion and why they cannot now be used for a facility for the youngsters who play football there. I have never been given an explanation, which is simply unacceptable. I am not suggesting impropriety but there is something peculiar about this whole affair".