LEADERS of Hounslow Council and the supporters' groups at Brentford Football Club have agreed to a series of frequent meetings with the objective of resolving the issues surrounding the problems of identifying a site for a new stadium.

It is recognized by everyone that there is no ideal site in the borough but both sides are hopeful that a compromise can be reached which will satisfy both the football club and the local community.

John McGlashan, chairman of Bees United, the Brentford Supporters' Trust, said: "I welcome these meetings with the council, and have impressed upon them the importance of reaching an agreement as quickly as we can. It is not possible to lay down a timetable for agreement but, everyone is fully aware of the urgency of the situation."

Pete Johnston, chairman of BIAS (Brentford Independant Association of Supporters) added: "The council is not going to grant planning permission without a number of conditions attached. One of them is that Brentford must have a site for a new stadium. We welcome that, but at the same time we acknowledge that identifying a site is extremely difficult, so a speedy and successful conclusion to these meetings is absolutely vital to our future.

"BIAS fully realises the urgency of a resolution to this saga - we are prepared to work around the clock in doing our bit to solve the problem. The last thing we want is for Brentford FC to become the next Wimbledon, and we are 100% committed to avoiding such a scenario.

"We are hopeful that the supporters groups' regular dialogue with the decision-makers at Hounslow Council, and our efforts at securing a relationship based on integrity, confidence and trust, will reap its benefits in the long term."

Councillor Luke Kirton of the ABeeC Campaign, who was elected purely on the basis of securing a new stadium for both the club and the community, is also attending the meetings and stated: "There has been a definite change in attitudes since the local elections, and this is partly due to my own election but is also a tribute to the way Brentford's supporters have raised the profile of the whole issue.

"I am heartened to see both the supporters and the council striving to provide a facility which the football club, the council, and the people of West Middlesex can be proud of."

The council is also keen to help the club plan for a successful future and council leader Councillor John Chatt said: "Brentford Football Club is an important asset to the Borough of Hounslow. The council is liaising with all the parties concerned in order to find a way forward that will protect the interests of the club and guarantee its future development. So far negotiations have been very constructive."

July 11, 2002 10:00