Statement on Bury football merger vote

Statement from Bury Council following tonight's Bury football merger vote.

“We are disappointed by the result of the vote, which was a golden opportunity to unite Bury’s football fans and work together to bring elite football back to Bury at its historic Gigg Lane home.

“The council’s financial support of up to £450,000 was always conditional upon a merger, and a viable business case in support of Gigg Lane. We take our responsibility to the appropriate use of public money very seriously and we have always made clear our belief that bringing together the football fanbase in Bury, united behind one team, is the most sensible and sustainable way forward to guarantee the future of the stadium as a footballing venue and a community asset. Unfortunately, in the absence of a merger, a revised business case for Gigg Lane is needed and therefore the council will now not be making that funding available.

“However, this does not need to be the end of the journey. The vote shows that the overwhelming number of Shakers Community Society members (94%) were in favour of the merger, and a clear majority (63%) – albeit short of the required 66% - of Bury Football Club Supporters’ Society members were too.

“This demonstrates that there is still a desire by the vast majority of fans to see how a new future for football in Bury can be achieved. We are happy to have further discussions with all concerned parties on the way forward, and we will try to bring all parties together as soon as possible.”

Statement from:

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council

Councillor Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture and the economy

ENDS

Press release issued: 28 October 2022.