Court could rule on sports club's future
OPPOSING factions trying to gain overall control of Blakeborough Social and Sports Club, Brighouse, could face a protracted legal battle.
Currently, two groups claiming to be the lawful commitee are trying to gain the upper hand and it could be left to a Chancery Division judge to sort out the long-running wrangle and determine the future of the cash-strapped club.
The spokesman for the group representing the interests of Blakeborough Albion Bowling Club, Andy Speechley, said the bowling membership now wished to separate from the Bradford Road social club.
Following a hearing at Halifax County Court last month the group's solicitors asked for the case to be transferred to the Chancery Division in Leeds.
"Our proposal may have to be decided in this way, incurring needless legal expense, if we are unable to resolve the matter in a sensible and productive way," said Mr Speechley.
A meeting called last December elected a new committee and trustees but these have not been recognised by the existing officials.
The new committee has been unable to take possession of the club due to the refusal of these officials to hand over the keys and control. The fear is that the bowling club, off Halifax Road, will be sacrificed to preserve the future of the social club. Although it is understood that there are covenants protecting development, clearly the plan is to sell the land for housing.
"That is the reason for our determination to fight the club all the way," said Mr Speechley.
Meanwhile, committee member Andrew Taylor has revealed proposals to hold a ballot later this month to elect officials, trustees and a committee.
This will take place at the social club's headquarters between 10am and 6pm on Sunday, March 14.
"This is the correct way forward for the club and its membership," he said.
But Mr Speechley said it would solve nothing. "Only a validly convened meeting, properly held and attended, will do so."
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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