Historic football club forced to fold after losing court case over ground

A football club with 108 years of history says it has had to fold after being forced out of its home ground.
Horden CW have played their home games at Horden Welfare Park since 1908.Horden CW have played their home games at Horden Welfare Park since 1908.
Horden CW have played their home games at Horden Welfare Park since 1908.

Horden Colliery Welfare, of the Wearside League, were based at Horden Welfare Park, in Eden Street, since the club was formed in 1908.

However, it was revealed in February that former club committee members had lost a court case with Horden Parish Council, which owns the ground, and Horden were told they had to leave the premises.

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Their last game at the ground was played on February 20, against Jarrow, and attracted a crowd of almost 200 after a wave of public support.

An online petition calling on the parish council to allow the club to continue playing at Welfare Park attracted over 1.700 signatures, and was handed into the parish council.

However, no resolution was found, and after the club was unable to find an alternative venue to play its home games, it says it has been forced to close.

A Horden CW statement read: “Horden CW Football Club, with 108 years of history, have had to sadly fold due to Horden Parish Council having to follow the judge’s decision at Newcastle Crown Court on the 29th of January.

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“Despite the football club forming a new committee and requesting to Horden Parish Council to play the remaining six home games at Welfare Park, our request has been declined by Horden Parish Council.

“It was the last option we wanted to take, but without a home ground it was not commercially viable to play elsewhere.

“We would like to pass on our thanks to the Horden residents and the 1,700 online signatures who supported us in our attempts to remain at Welfare Park.

“No futher information will be given from the new committee, if you require more infomation please get in touch with Horden Parish Council.”

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When we contacted Horden Parish Council, it said it was aware of the club’s statement, but did not wish to comment.

In February, a statement from the parish council had said: “Horden Parish Council has successfully obtained an order for possession of the football ground at Horden Welfare Park, following a five-day trial before his Honour Judge Kaye QC at the Moot Hall Court in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

“The order was granted on January 29, 2016 against representatives of Horden Colliery Welfare Association Football Club.

“Horden Parish Council have also been awarded legal costs of £82,500.”