Yesterday (Tuesday) morning, the chairman of United's 21CD supporters trust, Ron Syratt, accompanied by the club's mascot the duck sporting a 'homeless' sign, met with AVDC to hand over the petition.

The document calls on the council to 'end its fixation that the club is a business' and urged it to 'move quickly to take the necessary steps to help the club return to the town or a site close by, before it is too late.'

In a letter to AVDC, which accompanied the petition, Syratt said it is time for the council to start putting words into action.

"The lack of a ground continues to be a problem. A substantial amount needs to be raised each year to rent a pitch with facilities suitable for the first team and its standard of football.

"I appreciate that AVDC has many calls on its time and funds but it does seem that in two years it has not been able to do much to help keep this club in existence. A new ground is needed now if the town is to continue to have a senior football team," he said.

However, AVDC's corporate director (development), Norman Skedge, said the club's criticism of the council is not justified. "It's somewhat unfair to suggest that the council hasn't turned its enthusiasm for Aylesbury United Football Club into actions.

"If you recall, we made arrangements for the club to play at Aylesbury Vale FC (Haywood Way), and looked at the stand and flood plane situation and it was only because negotiations between the two clubs broke down that it didn't go ahead.

"I think we showed a lot of enthusiasm in that instance and while I appreciate it was not an ideal site, we have said we will look at any ideas they come up with with regards to planning permission on a new site. But the council is keen to see them come home."

The petition comes as the Ducks prepare for the official launch of their new pop song and video at Chicago's in Aylesbury tomorrow (Thursday) night. For more on the launch party log on tomorrow.


For the full story pick up a copy of today's Bucks Herald.