Bring Biggleswade FC home - petition aims to secure grounds on Land East

Started by Central Bedfordshire Councillor Grant Fage (Biggleswade East ward), the campaign has hit just shy of 1,000 signatures – and promotes the club's need for its own training ground.

Biggleswade FC was established 10 years ago with its first and senior teams currently playing at Bedford Town, while its youth teams train and play in the surrounding area.

Mark Inskip, First Team manager, said: "It's been good. It's been going less that a fortnight and in the main, the reaction has been positive.

"What we are looking to do is show that there is a need for leisure facilities and make sure that Biggleswade isn't left behind.

"We have an unbelievable retail park and lots of new homes – but we have got to match the leisure side of things."

Councillor Fage and the club are hopeful that Land East of Biggleswade will provide the location for the club's new home, allowing it to grow and provide new opportunities.

And Mark explained that they want such a facility to be for the whole community.

He added: "We are looking to produce a community hub. Somewhere that the players can come along and access the football pitches, and with facilities available to the community.

"What we are looking to do in the future is establish an education centre with a BTEC programme, and rent it [the club’s rooms] for parties and other events – something that would be used seven days a week."

Biggleswade FC also works with Ivel Valley School, and club chairman, Jeremy Reynolds, organises an annual tournament in Kempston for children with additional needs.

"We'd love to be able to host," added Mark.

And he said initial proposals for the Kings Reach estate had included space for more than 10 pitches.

"It was probably put on the back burner, because nobody like ourselves was pushing for leisure," he said.

Councillor Fage confirmed that money from developers will be provided for sports facilities on Land East of Biggleswade.

About 1,500 homes are planned for the new garden community, with a mix of different types, including affordable homes. Central Bedfordshire Council also states that there will be "new leisure and community facilities."

Councillor Fage said: "If we get this right, this is the opportunity to build something fit for purpose.

"At the moment, this petition is to demonstrate the strength of feeling. We are not petitioning one council, or body, or entity – this is to show the weight of public opinion – that these facilities are needed and that there is demand.

"Over time, Biggleswade FC have had a ground-sharing situation and after 10 years the club has proved it is viable and successful.

"Ten years feels like a good milestone to find a way of bringing them home."

The club plays at a high level (Step 4) in non league football. It also has a successful reserve side and 10 youth teams, which involve over 140 young players.

Click here to sign the petition.