Andy Ambler has thanked Millwall fans for their support after Lewisham Council deferred a decision on a Compulsory Purchase Order on land around The Den, writes John Kelly…
More than 15,000 people opposing the move signed a petition which was given to Labour councillor Joe Dromey before Wednesday night’s meeting at Lewisham Town Hall.
After a dramatic last-minute legal challenge, councillor Chris Best said the CPO needed “further investigation” and urged Millwall and Renewal, the company who want to buy the land for redevelopment, to meet to try to resolve their differences.
Millwall chief executive Ambler was present at the cabinet meeting and said he was “delighted” with the decision adding: “I would like to thank the fans for the huge amount of support they’ve given us – and I would urge them to keep signing the petition.”
He also confirmed the club’s offer to cabinet members to come to The Den to discuss how Millwall can be involved in any regeneration scheme in the area still stands.
Local MP Vicky Foxcroft had also called on the Mayor of Lewisham and his cabinet to defer the decision and join Millwall for discussions on the future of the land where the Lions Centre and Millwall Community Trust are based and under threat if the deal with Renewal goes through.
The ‘Defend Our Den’ campaign had also gained the support of ex-England captain Gary Lineker, who said “defending the Den is vital for the football club and local community”, and Lions legend Tim Cahill, who said he was supporting “the club where my professional career all started.”
Millwall chief executive Andy Ambler, with the backing of fans outside the town hall in Catford, presented the ‘Defend Our Den’ petition with more than 15,000 signatures to councillor Joe Dromey.
Cllr Dromey tweeted after the deferral: “Hope Renewal & Millwall use time to get back round table & come to agreement. Need to develop area but need sustainable future for Millwall”
Pleased to receive the 15k @defendourden petition. @MillwallFC are part of our community and they must remain so pic.twitter.com/MdLmTRyIsl
— Joe Dromey (@Joe_Dromey) February 17, 2016