Dear editor, 

Ryan Evans report in last week's Gazette that £3.7million pounds of public money has not yet been allocated for community projects has left me wondering why the plight of the Camrose ground and Basingstoke Town Football Club was allowed to disrupt and upset so many of our community for so long.

The argument as I recall was that Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council did not have the funds to intervene. Only after the owner renagued on his promise, the football club forced to relocate to Winchester and the Gazette unearthed the Covenant, did they find the money to upgrade the Winklebury stadium as a temporary home for the football club.

There is still time to regain the town's trust in the council's planning officers. Other major developments are already set to proceed with minimal delay, the Camrose ground has been an unjust and unwelcome distraction. 

Having rejected the Owners proposed residential development and ruling against the Council owned portion being used for access, the covenanted land has been made a blot on the landscape by the neglect and destruction caused by the owner.

Deciding against building the proposed ring road and associated infrastructure will be a huge saving to the council.

Community money would be well spent compulsory purchasing the Camrose ground to avoid future contraversy and repair its historical value and purpose.

As longterm recognised home of Basingstoke Town Football Club, it is an important and accepted heritage site of Basingstoke that would continue to thrive where others have been replaced as no longer needed.

Now, more than ever the focus is on new deserving developments. The Camrose ground treatment has cast a slur on the reputation of those charged with protecting the land and honouring the covenant.

The memory of Lord Camrose and his thoughtful legacy should be respected.

His enduring gift to the community and the football club recognised for the importance placed on it and appreciated, as the covenant intended.

Valerie Silver, Rooksdown