LTFC seeks solutions in furore over '˜The Brache' training ground

Local groups reacted furiously last week when it was announced Luton Town Football Club are relocating their training ground to Venue 360.

The training area will be named ‘The Brache’ and the move is expected to take place in September. It has meant many local sports groups need to find alternative venues.

Now, LTFC has pledged to work with the evicted groups in order to reach a solution.

A spokesman said: “As a community-oriented football club we will do all we can to help those affected find alternative venues and potentially offer time-specific access to the facilities at The Brache.

“Working together with the owners of the facility, Venue 360, Luton Town Football Club hope to help provide solutions that will see certain affected groups, associations and individuals who may find replacement facilities difficult to find.”

Affected groups include Luton Athletics Club, drama society The Griffin Players and a shooting club.

Nick Thrower of Luton Slot Car Club said his group had been given two months to find an alternative venue.

He said: “That leaves us homeless and with a massive task to locate new premises and relocate all our equipment.

“It is highly likely that we will have to leave the Luton area in favour of Milton Keynes if suitable accommodation cannot be found locally.”

Regarding LTFC’s offer of assistance, he said: “I wait to see just how much help actually materialises.”

Venue 360 CEO Jon Reep declined to answer questions about the affected groups. He said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Venue 360 to support Luton Town’s vision of creating a first class training facility.

“The timing couldn’t be more perfect given its recent presentations featuring their plans for a stadium and leisure site. This will really help to promote leisure on this side of town.”

Luton Town chief executive Gary Sweet said: “This is a major step forward for Luton Town Football Club. It cannot be underestimated how important this development at The Brache is to our long term football aspirations.”

The full plans for the training ground are available to view in a display inside Venue 360’s main reception.

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