Council to sell unused sports ground after 10 years

A Surrey local authority has agreed to sell a sports ground 10 years after 52,000 tons of soil were mistakenly dumped there, rendering it unusable.

Former home to the Elmbridge Eagles Rugby Club, the Oaken Lane site in Claygate has not been utilised since 2016, after double the 26,000 tonnes intended for pitch improvement works were dropped off in error.

However, Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC) announced on Thursday that its cabinet had now agreed to "market the site for recreational and leisure use".

A spokesperson described it as "taking the next step towards securing its long-term future".

Councillor Simon Waugh, portfolio holder for leisure, culture and commercial strategy, said: "Our priority is to see the Oaken Lane site restored.

"For many years we have worked hard to find a solution to the issues affecting the site, despite them not having been caused by the council."

An EBC spokesperson said Elmbridge Eagles had been "encouraged to participate in the process, with rugby league proposals considered for the ground alongside a range of other recreational and leisure opportunities that could benefit the wider community".

They added that the council remained "committed to supporting all grassroots sport across Elmbridge through investment, partnership working and practical support".

"We will continue to engage constructively with the club and the rugby's governing body as future options for the site are explored," the spokesperson said.

Founded in 1985 and entirely led by a team of volunteers, the current Elmbridge Eagles side have been sharing a pitch belonging to the Old Cranleighans rugby club in Thames Ditton.

Last November, The Eagles were subject to a forfeiture notice on Oaken Lane by EBC, which gave them 12 months to remove the soil or have their lease cancelled.

Failure to maintain the ground's clubhouse over the intervening years was also cited as a potential breach of their lease.

The club has been contacted for comment.

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