Members of one of Glenrothes’ longest running club facilities have accused Fife Council of forcing its closure after nearly 50 years in the town.
Glenrothes Social and Recreation Club’s committee, which has run Warout Stadium since 1974, will be evicted next month following the council’s decision to serve notice and put the stadium facilities back on the market.
At a crisis meeting this week, the club’s committee said it had no alternative but to dissolve the club, despite claiming to have agreed a new deal with the council, the stadium’s owners.
Club secretary, Robert Bauld, a member of the club for the past 23 years, has hit out at the council’s handling, accusing officers of rolling back on a deal stuck just two months ago.
He said: “The council’s handling has been appalling and agreements have been reneged upon, angering members.
“It’s not clear why such notice has been given because the council’s assets, property and facilities committee agreed that the club be offered continuing lease of the premises at a rent of £9000 per year which the club has agreed to pay.
“Council officers, however – and apparently without further reference to the committee – have decided to evict the club.”
SNP Councillor Ross Vettraino, said he had been left astonished by the council’s decision to seek closure.
“I have concerns that council officers have, seemingly, not complied with a decision democratically taken by committee and I will be writing to the convener seeking an explanation.
“It’s disappointing considering the amount of effort some have put in to keep the facility open.
“I hope the council make every effort necessary to find a new tenant to keep this public asset and the only spectator facility within the town, open.”
However, Michael O’Gorman, service manager for estates with Fife Council has refuted the club’s claims.
He said: “Despite the concessions and support provided to the club, significant debts have arisen.
“Since 2014 a short-term licence has been in place with a token £1 per year rent.
“More recently recognising the potential community benefits, a longer-term reduced rental offer was made to the Club but this was initially rejected.
“A counter offer has since been made to us by the Club, after the set deadline, but this has not been accepted and alternative options are to be pursued.
“Under the occupancy agreements the Club has been responsible for internal maintenance of the premises.
“Unfortunately it appears that they have failed to fulfil these obligations.
“The condition of the property has deteriorated and an independent report has been commissioned to identify defects.
“This report will be shared with the Club as they are responsible for making good the defects identified.”
