Wisbech Town Council show support for town's Fenmen with cash donation

Wisbech Fenmen have scored a £2,000 donation towards its new stand from the town council.

Councillors agreed to support Wisbech Town FC at an extraordinary meeting last night (Monday) where Coun Billy Rackley made an impassioned plea on behalf of the club to help it "through hard times".

However, support for the donation towards the cost of rebuilding the stand destroyed by Storm Ciara, was not unanimous with Coun Dave Patrick arguing the council should not give money to "commercial" businesses.

A point agreed as fair by Coun Steve Tierney, however, he argued: "Our football club is something more than just a business, it's a kind of flagship for the town. The club want to do something bigger and better than what was destroyed and I think as a one off the council can support the club".

Coun Andrew Lynn said: "Football is a kind of entertainment, and that is not something we have in any abundance - things like this need protecting. People take their children and grandchildren and that is not something that should be overlooked."

Coun Nick Meekins agreed with Coun Patrick's view that the council should not be supporting commercial ventures and said he would be "more comfortable" if the proposal was for £300 or £400 rather £2,000.

However, Coun Andy Maul said the club was a "community asset" trying to grow its position in the community with plans to set up an academy to bring children through and therefore deserved a "helping hand to get back on a sound footing".

It was agreed to give the club the £2,000 1ith 16 votes in favour, one against and one abstention.