Committee will fight for Forres Mechanics

I feel it is an appropriate time to clarify some of the points relating to Forres Mechanics Football Club and the proposed development at Bogton Road.

The club is delighted to have received a huge number of supportive comments from the community regarding the threat to the future of The Mechanics.

We have avoided making comment about whether the proposals are likely to be good or bad for Forres. If this community votes in favour because it is seen to enhance the quality of life in this immediate area, then so be it, but the elected committee of the football club have the responsibility to protect the club and make sure it is not diminished in any way. This we will fight for.

Forres Mechanics is a small but important representation of the town. Through the efforts of the committee and generosity of those who support us financially we are non-profit making. Without the generosity of supporters and sponsors we would not survive.

We attempt to give value for money by providing interest and entertainment and by projecting the name of Forres throughout Scotland (and surprisingly even beyond). We are proud to stand alongside others, including the excellent Forres in Bloom group, who attempt to sell the positive image of Forres as widely as possible.

We feel very strongly about encouraging youth to participate in organised sport to improve every aspect of their healthy development. To reduce a physical form of worthwhile recreation in an age of easy-access IT pursuits is folly. Providing good role models for children is also important.

The present relationship of the football ground to the bypass is of huge value commercially and must not be lost to the club, if we are to avoid taking a huge step backwards in relation to our Highland League competition.

We exist to provide opportunity and entertainment but we also strive to be successful. Currently, we are the holders of the trophies for the two Highland group competitions in which we compete, and to the credit of our players we are also the holders of the Fair Play award. The club is desperate to win the Highland League title again. The current threat to our existence will be overcome with your support. Success will reflect positively on the town.

The views expressed to me in the last few days have all highlighted perceived flaws in the wording of the questionnaire.

Question 1 should not contain reference to negotiating a new lease with Forres Mechanics. This has no relevance to deciding whether the proposed development is desirable or undesirable. It was stated at the Forres Forum last week that a Moray Council official remarked that the football club would help their case if they responded to the invitation by the council to sit down with them and discuss reviewing the release. In my five years as chairman, no such invitation has been given.

Question 2 - If the development does take place Moray Council have no choice but to re-house the mechanics - the Moray Local Plan signed off by the Scottish Government has the area designation "ENV1 and CF1", and my understanding is that if an area as designated contains a functioning recreational facility, it cannot be disposed of without providing a like-for-like replacement.

Question 3 implies that replacement of the football ground would diminish the pot of money available through the Common Good Fund.

The cost of replacement will be borne by the developer. Quite obviously and simply, if the football ground did not exist the cost to the developer would be reduced by whatever amount it takes to re-house. This sum of money only comes into consideration because Mosset Park occupies part of the desired space. It is misleading to attribute cost of re-housing to the common good fund. It does not - the cost is to the developer.

Dr JAMES ANDERSON, Chairman, Forres Mechanics Football Club, "Dunard", 41 St Leonards Road, Forres.