C&R ‘have declared open war’ on Luton over Newlands Park, say Hatters fan groups

Two Luton Town Football Club supporters’ groups have called for Capital & Regional to explain in a public meeting why they ‘have declared open war on the people and communities of Luton’ over the plan to take the Newlands Park regeneration plans to the High Court.

In a hard-hitting joint statement, the chairman of Luton Town Supporters’ Trust, Tony Murray, and his counterpart from Loyal Luton Supporters’ Club, Mark Bradbury, have called on the retail group to explain to Lutonians why they are seeking to overturn a popular planning decision that is set to provide 10,000 new jobs and boost the local economy by £250million a year.

Newlands Park will also help fund the Hatters’ new 17,500-seat stadium at Power Court.

Last week a law firm working on Capital & Regional’s behalf wrote a letter to Luton Council outlining their intention to apply to the High Court for a Judicial Review, over the planning decision, made earlier this year, which they claim is ‘unlawful’.

MP for Luton South, Gavin Shuker, and community action group #saveourtown both responded criticising Capital & Regional and, this week, Luton Council replied with a detailed letter, rebuffing Capital & Regional’s claims.

The authority also signalled their intention to fight any action brought against their decision, which the two supporters groups have said will cost Luton taxpayers between £500,000 to £1million to defend.

Addressing the retail group in their statement, the fan groups, said: ‘Have the honesty and decency to explain your actions and outline your plans for Luton at a public meeting’.

It add: ‘Like all the other £millions they have cost us,  that is money which should have been going into schools and public services, supporting our communities and every one of us, from toddlers to old folk. And this at a time when council budgets have been cut to the bone.   

‘How dare they. They have declared war on the people of Luton.’

The statement also outlines how Capital & Regional refused to talk to BBC Three Counties Radio reporter Justin Dealey when he went to their headquarters last week seeking for them to explain their legal plans. It also highlights that the retail group didn’t attend either the planning applications hearings for Power Court or Newlands Park.  

It adds: ‘C&R are showing complete and utter contempt for Luton and Lutonians. For the democratic and legal process. For our elected representatives. For the 11,000 people who wrote or emailed their support for the Newlands Park and Power Court. For you and for me. For our families. 

‘Well, enough is enough. We are here and now giving them one last chance.  

‘Come and meet with us C&R. Have the honesty and decency to explain your actions and outline your plans for Luton at a public meeting, here in the town you claim so falsely to serve. 

‘We’re ready. Are you C&R? If not, the gauntlets come off. You have seen nothing yet in terms of Luton’s response to your attempts to destroy the future for our home town.’  

The full statement can be read here.