Chairman’s email to Cllr Marcus Hart – Aggborough Stadium sale – Sent 09.02.2026
Dear Councillor Marcus Hart,
SALE OF FREEHOLD: AGGBOROUGH STADIUM AND ADJACENT CAR PARK
I am the Chairperson of the Kidderminster Harriers Independent Supporters’ Trust (KHIST). I am contacting you on behalf of the members of KHIST and of those many worried Kidderminster Harriers Football Club (KHFC) Fans who have contacted the Trust since the news broke last week of the proposed sale by Wyre Forest District Council (WFDC) of the freehold of Aggborough Stadium and the adjacent car park.
Since the Trust was first notified of the proposed Freehold Sale under the “Assets of Community Value” regulations, we have made it clear that KHIST is not opposed to the sale but is concerned to secure the future of football at Aggborough. We have been advocating the need for covenants guaranteeing the continuance of football at Aggborough to govern the terms of the freehold sale. To this end, we have been seeking meetings with the Owner of KHFC and representatives of WFDC.
Unfortunately despite our efforts, the Owner of KHFC (Richard Lane) has neither acknowledged nor responded to KHIST representations. This does not instil confidence in the fanbase in relation to the undertakings he has given. In the absence of legally binding covenants, how can we be sure that the KHFC Owner will adhere to his promises if his circumstances change? If Richard Lane were to sell KHFC, his Successor would not be legally obliged to continue football at Aggborough. Contrary to some recent reports, if the Sale to the KHFC Owner is completed, then it is our understanding that the freehold of the Stadium will not belong to the Football Club but to a separate entity owned by Richard Lane.
KHIST has tried to meet with representatives of Wyre Forest District to urge the need for the covenants we are seeking. You may remember that I mentioned this to you at a Harrier’s home game several weeks ago. You led me to believe that you were trying to find a date for talks between representatives of KHIST and WFDC. I thanked you for your efforts. Since then, two scheduled meetings between us have been cancelled at short notice. We have been offered a revised meeting date (Tuesday 17th February) but this is a week after the Cabinet is due to make the relevant decisions on Wednesday 11th February.
KHIST Members and other KHFC fans are becoming extremely frustrated. How can we get a hearing of the case for Covenants on the Freehold Sale to safeguard the future of football at Aggborough before key District Council decisions are made? Would it be possible for a KHIST Deputation to address the Cabinet?
There is now great urgency as we understand that WFDC determination of this matter is imminent. We hope to hear from you very soon.
KHIST has prepared a paper outlining the adverse consequences experienced by fourteen football clubs across England where grounds were sold without protective covenants. A copy of this document will be forwarded to you later this week. (Note this has now been emailed to Cllr Marcus Hart).
In the interests of transparency and of keeping KHFC fans informed, this email will be posted on the KHIST website and released to the local press and media.
Yours sincerely,
JERRY BARTLETT
Chairperson, Kidderminster Harriers Independent Supporters’ Trust
