Bailiffs called in to end Victoria Ground protest
TRESPASSER Dave Barker is to be kicked off the old Victoria Ground – after camping overnight on the land for around six weeks in a one-man protest.
Landowner St Modwen is set to bring in bailiffs to remove Dave and his tent from Stoke City's former ground this week.
In 2009, the 52-year-old attempted to live on the land for 10 years so he could claim squatter's rights but was unsuccessful.
But Dave returned in January to rough it behind Stoke Minster Primary School after St Modwen submitted a planning application to build 113 houses on the site.
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He wants the land turned into a park.
Former soldier Dave, who has a house in Victoria Street, Hartshill, said: "People say I'm mad but I only set up here because I want to see this area redeveloped as a park with better facilities for future generations. There are already hundreds of houses popping up across the city at various sites. The last thing we need is more of them.
"I was shaken up to be visited by representatives of the developer and be told to go this week but I will leave if I have to.
"I am tough enough to live in these conditions.
"I was a soldier so I have been in a lot worse situations.
"I need an expert who can give support and information on adverse possession or squatter's rights. I would need someone to stand up and make my legal case for me."
Neighbours have been stunned to see Dave staying in his tent in freezing conditions with just a fire to keep him warm. Shawne Shanahan, who lives in nearby Stamer Street, said: "The thing people don't realise about Dave is that his heart is in the right place.
"People think he is a bit eccentric but he is genuinely passionate about getting a park built there.
"He's done a lot of research on the land and is willing to camp out there during the freezing cold and snow.
"There are not many people who would be willing to go to those lengths for a cause."
The former Victoria Ground has been derelict since the Potters moved to the Britannia Stadium in 1997.
The latest plan for the land promises to breathe fresh life into Stoke town centre.
Mike Herbert, St Modwen North Staffordshire Regional Director, said: "The Victoria Ground is private land with no public access.
"We have spoken at length with Mr Barker a number of times to explain our position and request that he voluntarily leave the site. Mr Barker has refused this request therefore we have had to exercise our right and responsibility to remove him from the land.
"Earlier this year St Modwen and Persimmon Homes submitted a detailed planning application for a multi-million pound residential development at this site.
"The redevelopment will deliver much-needed homes to the region and bring visual, environmental and economic improvements. This includes nearly one acre of open space and a children's play area."
10 Comments
by rubythursday
Friday, March 15 2013, 1:56PM
“this is a perfect example of what happens when public spaces are sold to so called developers.
st.modwen bought the victoria ground with the sole intention of making a huge profit.they have not developed the site because of the recession. they will only develop the site when the economy rises and secures their profit.
they are property undevelopers. the victoria ground has been derelict since 1997.
this is the risk involved in selling public spaces.
the spode site, kings hall,civic centre,swan house ie.stoke town is currently up for sale.”
by FFDP1
Friday, March 15 2013, 5:23AM
“Menorcasi, rubbish, any thing that goes there well need work on and building, build an area that people want to use and spend money in, there is room for new hones on many other sites. good use of this historic site will generate an interest in Stoke Town, to much for St. Modwen maybe, who may see it as to close to Treatham Estates.”
by Menorcasi
Friday, March 15 2013, 3:39AM
“Mr DAp, are you kidding. What are you proposing that the oates family do, make a park? How on earth would that regenerate the Town Centre of Stoke. B Building 100 odd houses this will generate jobs for local people. When finished it will leave 100 odd new families in the area that will spend mone in local shops, bars restaurants etc. Is this not what Stoke Town needs in the future to give the local economy a boost, what financial benefits would a park have? I tip my hat to the fella who is campaigning. I don't think you will have any long term success sir however I commend you on trying.”
by Backdoored
Thursday, March 14 2013, 10:26PM
“There's another bloke -besides Coates, with some money... well he could buy Coates out three times over -A fellow Stokie from Shelton.... But you never hear his name mentioned unless it's his own 'charity trust fund' .... And does he say how much of his own money goes into it?
Yes -Caudwell I'm talking about. He's an 'events' man; likes organizing 'charity events' -where others are encouraged to donate.... into HIS charity foundation. Three times richer than Coates.
Good old Coatsie.”
by Backdoored
Thursday, March 14 2013, 10:24PM
“There's another bloke -besides Coates, with some money... well he could buy Coates out three times over -A fellow Stokie from Shelton.... But you never hear his name mentioned unless it's his own 'charity trust fund' .... And does he say how much of his own money goes into it?
Yes -Caudwell I'm talking about. He's an 'events' man; likes organizing 'charity events' -where others are encouraged to donate.... into HIS charity foundation. Three times richer than Coates.
Good old Coatsie.”
by MrDAP
Thursday, March 14 2013, 1:13PM
“Stoke and the former Victoria Ground deserves better than the rubbish that St Modwen/Persimmon will build there. But this is Stoke-on-Trent where 'development for development's sake' is the mantra. The development will do nothing to help regenerate Stoke (as the move was always intended to do), and all we will see will be tokenistic gestures (1 acre of public open space; how kind; a Stanley Matthews Close - lovely).
In days gone by, local businessmen often constructed local libraries and facilities for the benefit of local communities (e.g Sutherland Institute, etc.). Peter Coates has done a hell of a lot for the city and Stoke City Football Club. It would be an amazing gesture if the Coates Family would purchase the site from St Modwen, and develop the site to truly benefit the town of Stoke.
St Modwen and Persimmon are one trick ponies, and we - as a city - never seem to learn.”
by markiegj
Thursday, March 14 2013, 12:02PM
“As a Vale fan I have agree about the ground holding a past. Stoke played there for many years and that should be remembered. We move on too much these days and forget our past. It should be somewhere for the public not another housing estate.”
by FFDP1
Thursday, March 14 2013, 10:36AM
“That ground holds a past, the enjoyment, hopes and dreams of local people. It should be a public area from people to enjoy, not a housing estate. How about a fan zone where football fans can gather before a match with large screens to watch away matches, just one idea.”
by Sandytek
Thursday, March 14 2013, 9:47AM
“Dave is doing this for future generations NOT to benefit himself he should be applauded for his commitment. He is right there are lots of houses being buit in stoke, WHERE are the jobs to support these new homeowners?
What about all the compulsary purchased properties which have been knocked down, the council were supposed to be re building them yet nothing has happened, Build the houses there and give the people of Stoke somewhere to relax and enjoy.
Well done Dave I hope you find someone who can fight your cause on the legal side.”
by Anon_mow_cop
Thursday, March 14 2013, 9:20AM
“Squatting is now illegal, perhaps somebody should tell him !!!!!!!!!!!!!!”