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A dispute about the use of the stadium is raging between clubs

PROPOSALS by Enfield Town Football Club to take over a sports stadium for its sole use have led to anger from local residents and other sports clubs.

Enfield Town, which has 24 teams, proposed the construction of a new floodlit stadium on the site of the Queen Elizabeth II stadium in Donkey Lane, Enfield, with a minimum capacity of 4,000.

The site is currently used by Enfield and Haringey Athletics Club, Enfield Ignatians Rugby Club and local schools.

Jose O'Ware, who lives on the A10 backing onto Donkey Lane, said she was outraged that the club wanted to put a monopoly on the stadium.

She said: "It's absolutely unacceptable for one club to take over the entire site when others will be pushed aside."

"It's a joy to hear children having their sports days at the stadium."

The proposals for the stadium's future were made alongside those by Enfield 1893 Football Club, Enfield and Haringey Athletics Club and Enfield Ignatians Rugby Club at a public meeting at the Ignatians clubhouse.

All other clubs proposed shared usage between different sports.

Richard Gillman, commercial and marketing manager of Enfield 1893, said: "We want to work in conjunction with the other clubs to make this back into a community stadium, so it wouldn't be just for the elite."

The Friends of Enfield Playing Fields are also opposed to the stadium being used exclusively for football.

In a statement they said: "Members of the Friends and local residents have said that the loss of the athletics track would be a tragedy."

Enfield Town FC identified the Lea Valley High Performance Centre, at Picketts Lock, as an alternative ground for athletics.

These facilities, which are geared toward elite athletes, are available only in the afternoons and after 5pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Ray Gibbins, general secretary of Enfield and Haringey Athletics Club, said: "Last summer term 2007 the track was booked out every day to local schools. This is the only track available within 180 square miles."

Ciaran Glennon, press officer for Enfield Town, said: "When we made the proposal it was on quite short notice and we did not have any knowledge of who else would be interested.

"What we now want to do is talk to the other people involved. We want a site that is vibrant, inclusive and useable."

Enfield Council said a public consultation would take place before any decision was made.

8:15am Saturday 5th April 2008

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