Cambridge United General Manager Colin Davies has spoken to U's Net reporter Will Jones about this week's talks with the Allotments Society and Council officials (see yesterday's news report).

"The purpose of the meeting last night was to try and find a way forwards," he explained. "We have got the planning meeting on the 8th March and before that it would be nice if we could get everybody comfortable with what we are doing, and this means reaching a compromise with the allotment holders so they aren't against our development, but either neutral or for it.

"There were a number of representatives present at the meeting from the allotment fraternity, a number of political and professional representatives from the Cambridge City Council and four members of staff from the football club, myself included.

"I opened the meeting by explaining to all parties that we wanted to try and arrive at a solution. The world at large knows we have managed to save about eight metres behind the pathway that gives back around four plots. The latest initiative with full consultation with the allotment holders and Council is to come up with some land beyond the existing boundaries which balances off against the 11.75 plots we need for the redevelopment, i.e. it gives back the equivalent slice of land. It might in fact result in a gain in allotment land for the society."

Davies continued, "I think the offer was received sceptically at first, and there were reservations as to the value of that land. The allotment fraternity were concerned that the land was not able to drain, but we have had a city engineer look at the land and he has confirmed that it can be brought back into allotment use. It will cost money, but the money is there and it is available as it would come from money the club has committed to put into this scheme."