Football Club lined up to buy ground

Hertingfordbury Park could be sold to Hertford Football Club if terms can be agreed with owner East Herts Council.

The ground is currently leased from East Herts Council, who provide maintenance and survey liabilities for the trees and infrastructure on site.

However, since 2020 there have been repeated complaints and litigation relating to boundaries, ongoing activities and maintenance obligations. These ongoing disputes have cost the council tens of thousands of pounds in mediation, litigation and officer time. Although recently these complaints and litigation have receded, the freehold sale of this land, would remove East Herts Council as a party to these ongoing disputes should they recommence. Disposal by freehold would remove these ongoing costs and obligations.

The Club has been successful with investment and grants from the Football Association and other bodies, including facilitating improvements to their 3G pitch, parking, fencing, floodlighting and infrastructure. Further investment could become easier to secure if the club owned the land.

The potentail sale was discussed at a metting of the council's Executive Committee on 11th February.

Cllr Bob Deering raised the issue of traffic on West Street, which was already a problem. He felt that sport was important but traffic had increased after the football club had installed an artificial pitch. On behalf of residents of West Street, he raised concerns about increasing traffic and said that it was imperative the council did their best for the residents. 

Cllr Ben Crystall said the issues faced by residents in West Street was a multi council challenge and required a joined up approach to solve.

Councillor Hoskin said that the football club could be encouraged to have a sustainable travel plan to potentially reduce issues faced by residents.

The title for the land contains a covenant restricting the land use as a sport club. 

A purchase price is yet to be negotiated.