The London Irish Amateur Rugby Football Club (LIARFC) and Brentford Football Club Community Sports Trust (Brentford Sports Trust) have submitted a joint letter of Intent to the Administrators of London Irish Holdings (LIH) setting out their intention to purchase the Hazelwood site and place it in a Community Owned Trust for the benefit of future generations. The letter has been received positively by both the Administrator and DCMS (Department of Digital, Culture, Media & Sport) / Sport England, and they are in the process of organising some direct talks with them to progress their bid.
The LIARFC bid is very much about preserving Hazelwood for amateur sports and community use. The thriving mini rugby section for both boys and girls is renowned throughout the southeast of England and beyond. In addition, the most recent facility for community use, parkrun, is positive, welcoming and inclusive. There is no time limit and no one finishes last. (parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. parkrun is 5k and takes place every Saturday morning. junior parkrun is 2k, dedicated to 4-14 year olds and their families, every Sunday morning).
The future of the Hazelwood Centre has been discussed at our Committee and we unanimously support LIARFC's bid.
We are aware of a competing bid from a football club with ambitions for promotion and which may require exclusive use of the site; and which may have little or no benefit accruing for the local community.
Comments from our readers would be most welcome.
