Maidenhead United: Residents oppose football stadium move plan

Maidenhead United is planning to move from its York Road ground

Campaigners have backed a council decision to halt a planned relocation of a non-league football club.

Maidenhead United had planned to move from its York Road home following a deal to acquire land at Braywick Park.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead blocked the land's release over concerns about the loss of space.

Club fans launched a petition backing the relocation, but local residents have started a counter-petition supporting the council decision.

Maidenhead United had originally reached a deal with Royal Borough council in 2022 to acquire the land for a reported sum of £460,000, but Windsor and Maidenhead council cabinet resolved to stop the release of the land in a July meeting, after deciding it was not worth the loss of open space.

The club's current ground at York Road is believed to be the oldest senior football ground in the world to be continually used by the same club.

York Road is believed to be the oldest senior football ground in the world to be continually used by the same club

The club said last month it had been "left up in the air" by the council's move and said it would take legal action for breach of contract.

The National League club had planned to move to Braywick Park for a new community stadium with "associated astroturfs, athletics, futsal, disabled sport and wellbeing facilities".

A petition urging the council to reconsider, saying the plan had "significant community benefit", has reached almost 2,000 signatures.

It means the deal is expected to be brought back before cabinet again at its next meeting.

However a counter-petition, with about 700 signatures, is calling for the council's decision to be respected.

Resident Douglas Watts, who started the petition, said: "Braywick Park is a valuable green space that provides recreational opportunities for the local community.

"It serves as a place for families, children, and individuals to enjoy nature, exercise, and relax. Disposing of this land would result in the loss of a vital community asset."

The council previously said it had "carefully considered" the loss of public open space following objections.

"This was a difficult decision, based on significant considerations raised in the public objections," it added.

The club wants to move to a site at Braywick Park