Fans react with dismay as Stourbridge face turmoil over War Memorial Ground
Football fans in Stourbridge have reacted with dismay at the news the town's football club may have to re-locate next season if their ground doesn't meet the required standard.
Stourbridge FC have confirmed the last game of the season on April 21 will be the last one in which the War Memorial Ground will exist in 'its present guise".
A statement said the club - which will celebrate 150 years of football next year - forecast an "extremely costly" and "stressful" period ahead as they decide what to do with the ground where they have played since 1888 and where superstar Jude Bellingham played as a youngster.
Stourbridge have been told their existing floodlights and some stands must be taken down following the final home fixture of the current campaign, against Bromsgrove Sporting.
Weeks of negotiations with landlords Dudley Council and surveyors have come to the conclusion that floodlights and stands are situated too closely to the banks which surround the War Memorial Ground and are in danger of subsidence.
Houses are being built behind the popular Shed End stand and it is thought this is one of the stands at risk. A standing enclosure next to it is already off-limit to spectators at home games. Members were told the news at the club's AGM on Thursday (March 27).
Fans took to the club's official Facebook account on Friday to speak of their dismay, with some criticising Dudley Council for not making sure the ground was safe for future use.
Supporter Jeremy Pewton said: "I feel sorry for (chairman) Andy P and the Board who I believe have worked extremely hard in finding various solutions to this.
"As usual DMBC [Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council] has offered nothing in the way of support and let it drift to this. Yet another sad day for town and community.
"These so called councillors reap it in with the publicity when the team and town hit the national headlines but give nothing back to the club or community in a time of need.
Andy Thomas said: "Heathen's fan - If u wait for Dudley Council to do anything you will wait years - funny enough these fake promises always turn up around election time - don't be fooled by these councillors or MPs."
Halesowen Town fan Jonathan Lowe lent his support to Stourbridge saying: "As a Yeltz fan I obviously dislike Stour just as you guys dislike us.
"But as a football fan this is terrible to read. Without the Yeltz and the Glass boys there is no Number Nine and there is no rivalry.
"So that said, I really hope you guys get this sorted. The Yeltz need you guys to thrive just as you need us to thrive to maintain that bitter rivalry for years to come."
It is understood Stourbridge Cricket Club, which share the ground, may lose its scoreboard and a storage area.
Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of Dudley Council and who represents the Amblecote ward the ground is in said: “We are currently in discussions with the club and other agencies to look at what options are available to everyone involved.
"Clearly this is a club with a proud history and we will do what we can as a responsible landowner to support them.”
Stourbridge are at home to Alvechurch in a Southern League game today (Saturday).
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