Bates bites back: 'The ball is in Sainsbury's court. I cannot wait forever'

Last updated : 29 August 2011 By westfield shrimper

Fossetts Farm Stadium
Artist's impression of FF when it had four sides, now just memories it seem

Kevin Maher may have to wait just a little bit longer for that testimonial.

Neil Bates, the chief executive of Prospects College, has re-entered the fray after Southend Council had hinted that a compulsory purchase order may be needed so building work can commence on the site at Fairfax Drive.

Work that's needed for the Sainsbury's supermarket at Roots Hall to go-ahead, which would kick-start the new stadium at Fossett's Farm,

He says that he would “furiously resist” any bid by the Council to obtain a CPO, and anyway they would be 'unlikely to win approval from the Government.'

Bayes told www.echo-news.co.uk: “It would be ridiculous if we got to the position where the council sought a compulsory purchase order. To get the order, they would need to show the college is not willing to sell, and that is not the case.”

Bates has once again threatened the retail giant with the information that he has another potential buyer standing by after the original six-figure deal between the parties fell through,

Not sure that will work Neil in these tough times and gainst such a big beast.

The College itself is now up and running on a new site in Southchurch Boulevard.

Mr Bates aded: “I would prefer to see the site developed by Sainsbury’s and the club get its new ground. However, I have to look after the interests of the college, which are to sell the site so the money can be reinvested in education. The ball is in Sainsbury’s court. I cannot wait forever.”

Council leader Nigel Holdcroft said he was hopeful a deal could be struck. He added: “If that is not the case, and we are requested to consider utilising our compulsory purchase powers, then the request will be referred to councillors for consideration.”

Sainsbury’s said: “We are hopeful all outstanding matters will be resolved in the near future and, following outline planning approval, a reserved matters application for the store will be submitted in the coming weeks.’’

Blimey Kev, I wouldn't be relying on the game for your pension!

The FF Saga (Selected highlights!)

Everyone's committed: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk

Sadly, it's not funny: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk

Prospects say no: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk

Well, Ron's confident: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk

It's lost a side!: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk