A LETTER from Councillor Ron Woodley.

Some readers might not quite understand my reasoning in proposing an amendment to Councillor Matt Dent’s motion to council concerning the plight of the football club.

We all should understand that it takes time in business to arrange a sale.

Let’s not forget it is ten months since Manchester United was put up for sale and its still ongoing.

So why did I propose for the council to offer a short-term loan for up to £2 million? I now believe that only £1 million is required.

Whatever happens the debt has to be paid so whoever takes over the club has to pay that debt, so instead of many debtors they just pay the council.

Many people are affected - the staff at the club, players, coaching staff, academy staff and office staff - the list goes on.

If these people are out of work then the government and council will need to pick up the pieces in terms of lay-offs, unable to pay rent or mortgages, homelessness and not contributing to the local economy, etc.

Also many businesses rely on match day income from supporters, including the pubs, restaurants, hotels, guest houses and the high street shops.

The funding within the council is available.

£93 million of reserves, up to £4 million in revenues on not meeting is capital programme, and the list goes on.

Council funding is not a problem, it is having the will to protect the club and its workforce and the local economy.

If the new administration (who are by the way working hard to find a solution) can reduce parking charges for the seafront businesses to the equivalent sums of money, then I see no difference in how we protect all residents and businesses.

After all the council is there to support all, not just some.

I will be calling a special council to discuss and take whatever action is required to protect the club and the city from failure.

Councillor Ron Woodley
Tyrone Road, Southend