Newham pledges Olympic Stadium cash but West Ham fans question move

Published by 24publishing for 24dash.com in Local Government and also in Communities, Housing

Newham Council has agreed to invest up to £40m in the adaptation of the Olympic Stadium, but a backlash is mounting from fans of West Ham United about its proposed move to Stratford after the 2012 Games.

The council has agreed to establish Newham Legacy Investments Limited, a company wholly owned by the London Borough of Newham, which will enter into a Limited Liability Partnership with the Olympic Park Legacy Company to manage the stadium post the games.

The Hammers are one of four bidders in the running to lease the stadium on a long-term basis from the newly formed legacy company, but a supporters group claims the club does not want to hear fans' opinions on the move.

The group, West Ham United's View, told the BBC it is running an independent ballot over two home games so fans can express their opinions about the proposed move away from Upton Park.

However, the club said it was unable to have discussions about the proposed move because of a confidentiality agreement.

It has, however, been in touch with WHU's View and agreed to carry out a poll after 21 May, the date a decision on the successful bidder will be made.

A club spokesperson told the BBC: "The club is currently bound by such stringent confidentiality constraints whilst in the bidding process that we are unable to conduct it until after 21 May. The May deadline will not be the final opportunity for supporters to have their say, but it is a legal deadline that we have to respect and adhere to."

West Ham were initially awarded the stadium in a partnership with Newham Council in October last year, but the deal fell through following legal action from rival clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Leyton Orient.