‘Cuts put Cougars’ future at risk’ - MP (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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‘Cuts put Cougars’ future at risk’ - MP
9:00pm Monday 6th February 2012 in Bradford By Marc Meneaud
An MP has warned the future of Keighley Cougars rugby league club could be at risk after they lost out on a £20,000 council grant.
Keighley and Ilkley MP Kris Hopkins has written to the Bradford Council leader Ian Greenwood to demand the immediate withdrawal of a plan to stop the annual grant funding for the Co-operative Championship club.
The Telegraph & Argus reported that month that the Council was looking to scrap the payout as part of an attempt to save £31m from its budget.
Mr Hopkins said: “I am appalled at the potential impact the withdrawal of the funding might have on Keighley Cougars, a club which plays such a positive and cherished role at the heart of our community.”
Councillor Andrew Thornton, the Council’s executive member for environment and sport previously said that Keighley Cougars had been aware from a year that the funding could be at risk.
He said officers have met several of the club’s trustees to discuss the situation.
However, Mr Hopkins said Gary Fawcett, the club’s chairman, has made clear that he was not aware of any plans to remove the much-needed funding.
Mr Hopkins said: “He has also underlined that the Cougars’ financial plan included these monies being received in May 2012 to al-low the club to break even. As a result, Labour’s proposed removal of this grant is putting the very future of the club at risk.
“I have therefore written to Ian Greenwood, the leader of ruling Labour Group, to demand that this decision is revisited and the Cougars’ funding reinstated for the next financial year.”
Keighley Cougars have issued a rallying call for help as they face losing Council funding.
The rugby league club – which has won back a place in the Championship after securing promotion last season – is urging the public to support efforts to win a change of heart from the Council.
Mr Fawcett wanted Cougars fans and the wider community to express their support for the club by responding to Bradford Council’s consultation on its proposed budget.
Details can be found at bradford.gov.uk/bmdc/Consultations/priorities_for_2012_2013_budget.
Comments(10)
CleckheatonBull
says...
10:39pm Mon 6 Feb 12
You have also got the impact on the local economy it will have not having Keighley Cougars and also you lose the community work the team does.
Thee Voice of Reason
says...
11:24pm Mon 6 Feb 12
Mik_e
says...
11:50pm Mon 6 Feb 12
Also MPs will say almost anything if they think it will win a few votes ? Cougars have had numerous wealthy contributors over the years, but financial problems remain, wonder where all the money goes?
Albion.
says...
6:42am Tue 7 Feb 12
Thee Voice of Reason
says...
9:17am Tue 7 Feb 12
Albion. wrote:They will if you say its for the union.
Perhaps the council might sponsor my next tiddlywinks tournament.
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Anyhow, the cougars are more worthy of council money than a cricket team who were given a civic reception and had a game in another city funded by this council.
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We are still awaiting Mr Greenwoods investigation "the public deserve answers" well Mr Greenwood have you got them or was that a soundbyte?
Joedavid
says...
9:31am Tue 7 Feb 12
What would it have to be raised by to raise a further £20K?
anglosaxon
says...
9:31am Tue 7 Feb 12
yorkshiredude
says...
10:28am Tue 7 Feb 12
Waynus1971
says...
10:32am Mon 13 Feb 12
Mik_e wrote:I think you are getting confused over your facts. The Cougars didn't have "financial problems" until the Council withdrew the funding. Now, you can argue that they knew the funding was being withdrawn, but the Chairman has refused this, so who is telling the truth?
Let's get a couple of things clear, a 'club' is run for the mutual benefit of members, as I believe that Keighley Cougars is actually a private business ? Also MPs will say almost anything if they think it will win a few votes ? Cougars have had numerous wealthy contributors over the years, but financial problems remain, wonder where all the money goes?
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As with ALL budgetting, if you budget your season and make plans to spend what you are expecting to receive, only to lose £20k of it, ANY business would suffer. The Cougars are no different.
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The Cougars should be given back the £20k grant with the clear message that it will be their last payment of this kind. Then it would be down to the Cougars to manage their books accordingly.
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Afterall, how much of the public purse are we STILL spending on cleaning the old, empty and direlict Odeon cinema, the loss of trade from the Westfield project and the 'fountans - in the park'?????
BabyDave says...
9:48pm Mon 6 Feb 12
If they cannot support themselves then they shouldn't be continuing the club.