Ayr United's new stadium will happen

Jun 26 2008 Ayrshire Post

AYR United insist next year WILL be their last at Somerset Park. But they admit there are growing fears their new home at Heathfield may not be ready for the start of centenary season 2009/10.

However, crunch talks with South Ayrshire planners last Friday HAVE moved the project forward.

Chairman Lachlan Cameron, who had earlier fiercely criticised planning delays, is hoping final planning drafts will be released by the council this week.

Then it will be full steam ahead as the club, and Barratt Homes, who have struck a deal to buy Somerset Park, get together to ink the bold plan.

Cameron added: “I am feeling much happier than I did this time last week. The council have promised they’ll give it everything to get the section 75 plans drawn up this week.

“It was a very positive meeting and things have definitely moved forward.”

Earlier, the chairman had warned that if the club don’t break ground in July, they would not make it for the start of next season.

He added: “The problem is the council are under resourced. We have spent a lot of money in the last two years on this project but we don’t get a single dime until the final drafts are approved.

“We are struggling to pay bills because we keep expecting this large sum of money to come our way and it’s really hurting us.

“All we are looking for is a little support, we’re not asking the council for any money or dispensation.

“It’s a 36 week build on phase one and I’m just getting nervous if we hit a wet winter and there are supply problems.

“The last thing I want is to be struggling for a safety certificate the day before a game. We want things done and dusted so we can make the change smoothly.

“I’m certain that 2009 will be our last calendar year at Somerset and our main focus is to be ready for the opening day of the season.

“If not it could be the case that we would have to play at least nine home league games before moving.”

In a statement, council leader Hugh Hunter stressed they are ‘fully supportive’ of United.

He added: “We have given consent for the stadium and the enabling development. However, negotiations are still taking place regarding the affordable housing provision which has delayed the signing of the legal agreement.

“The council has a responsibility to ensure that socially affordable housing is provided as part of the overall project.

“The latest meeting between representatives of Ayr United and council planning officers was very positive and good progress is being made.”

However, Mr Cameron insists that the club have no problem with meeting the affordable housing criteria.

He stressed: “We have never tried to fight that and are committed to making a provision for 24.9 per cent. We have never tried to cut back on that.”

Meanwhile, the club made a loss of £103,000 for the year ended June 30, 2007. And worrying figures show they have loans to almost £1.1 million, the bulk of which come from club directors.

Accountants Pritchards highlighted ‘uncertainty as to the timing of cash inflows and the reliance of the company on the financial support of the directors.’