On Saturday afternoon, just before kick-off, Cambridge United fans will stage a "yellow card" protest to express their anger and frustration at the constant delays in Cambridge City Council approving the Clubs planning application to re-develop the Abbey Stadium.

The "yellow card" is for time wasting. The main stumbling block is the need for the Club to acquire a few allotment plots (19) behind the existing ground. Despite the fact that more than that number of plots are currently either unrented or uncultivated, certain members of the Council Planning Committee (in effect the Lib Dem group) refuse to sanction the release of the allotment land to allow the development to go ahead.

Nigel Pearce, Secretary of the Cambridge United Supporters Association (CUSA) who are organising the fans protest, said, "Cambridge City council have thwarted all attempts by the Club over the last 15 years to relocate or re-develop the Abbey Stadium. So unsupportive of the Club have the Council been over the years fans have even suggested the Club revert to its original name (Abbey United) to disassociate itself with the City.

"The latest plans, which were approved by the Council Planning Officers, are being blocked by certain elements who appear to value 19 allotment plots over the future of professional football in Cambridge.

"Our patience is running out. We call for the City Council Planning Committee to stop prevaricating and to finally approve the Clubs planning application, as it stands, at their next meeting on 9 February. If it does not the long-term prospects of Cambridge United FC are bleak. If the Club goes out of business the blame will lie fairly and squarely on the shoulders of certain bureaucrats in the City Council who cannot see the difference between petty technicalities and real life."

Manager Roy McFarland commented this week, "I cannot understand the council's decision, and I am very disappointed someone on the council who represents this constituency has not been seen to support us. The Abbey is the biggest venue in the city for recreation, and the development plan is vital to the progress of the club."

Have your say: Abbey Stadium Redevelopment Message Board

For further details please contact the CUSA:

Brian Attmore (Chairman) - 01223 245168
E-mail: thecusa@btinternet.com

Nigel Pearce (Secretary) - 01279 725012 (home) or
0171 865 5636 (work) or
07808 401785 (mobile)