Katie Byng-Hall
Waldegrave School for Girls
Over 500 locals have signed a petition opposing Chelsea Football Club’s proposed temporary relocation to Twickenham Stadium.
On September 28th it was announced by the Rugby Football Union that Chelsea FC has enquired about the possibility of Twickenham Stadium being a location for their home fixtures while Stamford Bridge is refurbished. The redevelopment of Chelsea’s current home stadium would last for a predicted one season only period taking place sometime after Twickenham is used as the main stadium of the rugby world cup in 2015.
Even though no in-depth talks have been held yet, there has been a huge uproar since Chelsea’s enquiry was announced by the RFU.
Isleworth council member Ed Mayne has said that the ground-share could be successful, but there are factors which need to be addressed first, namely transport problems for fans and locals, and policing issues.
Twickenham MP Vince Cable has also expressed his worries via Twitter saying, “V serious concerns and need for facts ASAP”.
My primary concern is will Twickenham be able to handle it? Football crowds tend to be rowdier and sometimes more aggressive than those who attend rugby matches, which may have repercussions on residents as the route to reach the ground is through ordinary suburban streets. A local who lives within a mile of the stadium said, “I don’t fancy a load of Chelsea fans wandering down the high street”.
In my opinion, when an action such as this which may have major consequences for the people who live nearby is proposed, we should be the first to be consulted. It is our home after all.
