That old Chinese curse about “living in interesting times” probably didn’t have Brentford Football Club in mind, but given the past few months I have started having my doubts.
The recent past has been far from dull in and around TW8: the Chelsea cup ties and everything that went with them; the climax to the regular season and THAT penalty; the fluctuating play off semi against Swindon; all rounded off by that well known Brentford phenomenon of another stunning antiÂclimax in a major final (well, a major final to us anyway).
It’s just possible, however, that another major event is creeping up on us – one that will take place a long way from any football pitch; one that will have a major effect on the long term viability of the Football Club; and one that makes Marcello Trotta’s inability to convert a penalty pale into insignificance.
Equally crucial, however, all Brentford supporters can have a major role to play in this particular encounter.
Brentford have now submitted their planning application on the Lionel Road stadium – a decision on this application is likely in the Autumn. If the application is successful work could begin next Summer. Brentford could be in the new stadium in time for the 2016/Â17 season.
While Brentford Football Club have put together an impressive proposal and can only be applauded for the painstaking and patient approach they have taken to promote the scheme. There can be no doubt that the Club will be facing strong opposition from wellÂorganised local residents who do not share the Club’s vision for the site.
The BIAS Stadium Action Group is going to be organising a campaign for Brentford supporters to lobby Hounslow Borough Council with letters and emails of support for the scheme. A massive show of support will be crucial to counter any opposition that the scheme will face.
Letters and email of support are crucial from all supporters wherever you live – but all the better if you are a resident of Hounslow Borough, and especially so if you live in close proximity to the area that is likely to be affected by the new stadium.
If you are not a Hounslow Borough resident – please show your support, but equally importantly, go through your address book and find someone – members of the extended family, work colleagues, and anyone you may have lost touch with – who is a Hounslow resident and put your relationship to the test by pestering them to also support the scheme.
BIAS produced leaflets in April which were handed out prior to the Portsmouth home fixture – these leaflets outlined the key points that supporters could use in their correspondence to Hounslow Council. If you missed the leaflet it can be downloaded from the BIAS website
BIAS leaflet can be downloaded here
At the moment the Club’s application is being “validated” by Hounslow Council. Once that validation process is completed BIAS will be publishing details of where letters can be addressed and the crucial reference number which will need to accompany the letters and emails.
So please check the BIAS web site regularly for updates on the campaign.
The amount of support that this scheme can get from ordinary Brentford supporters is possibly going to be pivotal for its success. In this particular fixture – the stakes couldn’t be bigger, and the role that YOU can play cannot be overÂestimated.
Paul Stedman
Paul is a BIAS board member
I’m getting myself onto the planning department to oppose it