Chester City Council
By Chris Thompson
September 22 2005
You do have to question if it is their intention to downfall Chester City. Their latest threats call for the club to be sued.
After striking a deal with the Inland Revenue, which will see the IR receive £180,000 in three seperate installments, chairman Stephen Vauhan was dealt a blow with news that negotiations with the Council appear to have been scuppered. Chester have not paid rent on the Deva Stadium in two years, which ammasses to £46,000, but the Council have already turned down two proposals from Vaughan to pay the rent off in installments.
The Council have already admitted that the money Chester owe amounts to 0.7% of the council's tax bill, and so what makes it difficult to understand is the Council's reasons for failing to work alongside the club, which blatantly plays a big part in the City's income and recognition.
Vaughan told the Daily Post: "I have made them (the Council) two offers.
"The latest was to pay the full amount over six years but they have refused so there is nothing more I can do until they carry out their threats."
A spokesman for Chester City Council said: "We can confirm that the city council and the football club have been in touch about the club's debts.
"Contrary to some media reports, no deal has been done between us and we are still seeking the immediate payment of more than £46,000 in rent arrears.
"As far as the city council is concerned legal proceedings are still ongoing."
He added: "The taxpayers of Chester expect the city council to balance its books too."
They don't grit your roads at Christmas, and they provide stingy housing. And now, they hate this football club. Chester FC has the potential to be one of the most exciting prosepcts in the City if their magnificent run of form continues, but further rants from the stadium landlords are making life difficult for the Blues.