Lawyers acting for De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) have today (December 13) served notice to terminate on Nick Langton, licensee of Beaumont Town Football Club.
It follows concerns over a protest organised by Mr Langton at Beaumont Park in November during which students and staff were abused, jostled and threatened by jeering crowds who attempted to deny access to the ground by DMU students and staff.
In addition, there have been concerns at the lack of financial transparency at the club. When DMU signed the agreement, it was important to ensure that the costs did not increase for parents and users of Beaumont Park. The fees paid, and due to be paid, are charged by DMU on a not for profit basis.
DMU has asked Mr Langton to explain how the additional income he is receiving from the increase in subscriptions is being accounted for and to show the university the club’s annual accounts. To date, none of this information has been provided.
There is the further question set out in the notice of termination that the clubhouse has been hired out as a private venue.
The university considers Mr Langton to be in breach of the licence and has subsequently served notice to terminate.
Beaumont Park will remain closed during the required notice period of 30 working days, after which the university has offered to help with the setting up of a new board with a properly constituted BTFC that represents the interests of the club and the local community. DMU is committed to community football continuing at Beaumont Park and is working proactively with relevant parties to achieve this.
DMU has been contacted by players and supporters of the club who are keen to work with us. The university remains absolutely committed to the local community but is unable to work with Mr Langton for the reasons given above.
DMU shares the players’ frustration that the Beaumont Park pitches remain closed, but the university has been unable to guarantee the safety and security of students and staff. It hopes that these new developments will enable new arrangements to be put in place for the good of the football club, the local community and students and staff of DMU.
Posted on Tuesday 13 December 2016