Before the Easter break reps from QPR 1st met with Clive Soley MP, whose constituency covers QPR FC, Councillor Andrew Slaughter, the Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham and a local Councillor, Reg McLaughlin. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the past year’s events and to provide both parties of any recent updates regarding the situation at QPR.
We met in informal surroundings and we began the meeting by giving a little history to the political reps regarding the bidders who have bid for the club since being placed into administration, before ending with the latest news of the refinancing package involving some of the current management team.
The political reps were extremely interested in the history that we outlined and both Clive Soley MP and Councillor Andrew Slaughter were insistent that they would be willing to assist in relocating within the Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham if it ever came to that.
We explained a little about the Brentford situation and of current concerns regarding rumours of Brentford groundsharing on a long term basis. Again, they reiterated how they would be happy to help out as a short term thing but that they would object to any long-term groundsharing deals i.e. a 99 year lease with Brentford, because they have obligations to the local residents.
Concerns were expressed about fears of predators coming along in the future regarding the Loftus Road Stadium, QPR’s biggest asset. Again Councillor Slaughter reiterated the council position and mentioned how the UCD (a local planning document pertinent to the potential development constraints regarding Loftus Road) has been strengthened recently. As things stand, luxury housing is most certainly not a requirement in the area.
A small discussion took place about local government, and some of the changes taking place within it. Indeed they did not dismiss the idea of purchasing Loftus Road and renting it back to QPR! Clive Soley also suggested that we ought to think about approaching the Sports Council about grants.
When asked, Clive Soley MP said that he would be willing to raise an early day motion in the House of Commons on a suitable QPR subject if required.
We’d like to take the opportunity to thank the Mayor, Clive Soley MP and Councillor McLaughlin for accommodating us. Clive Soley MP will not be able to make the public meeting on Thursday but did say that he would be willing to give us a message of support, whilst Councillor’s Slaughter and McLaughlin have already confirmed their attendances.