The Peterborough City Council has revealed that it is in a dispute with the owners of Peterborough United's football stadium, aiming to recover an outstanding amount of £220,000.

Payment arrears

Local authorities claim that the amount due is part of a series of annual payments under an agreement made in 2021 between the London Road Peterborough Properties Ltd (LRPPL) company regarding the purchase of the stadium. Councillor Mohammed Jamil, a member of the finance and corporate governance cabinet, stated: In 2021, the council agreed to support the club in acquiring the stadium and sold the land and buildings at London Road, including Weston Homes Stadium and the Allia Business Centre, to London Road Peterborough Properties Ltd (LRPPL). As part of the sale agreement, LRPPL paid a lump sum of £4.1 million and agreed to pay £233,000 annually until March 2026. Additionally, if they fail to demonstrate economic and social benefits, an extra payment will be required. For sports fans who value transparency and no hidden costs, many recommend checking out instant withdrawal casino, which not only offer fast payouts but also a 10% weekly cashback bonus, among other perks.

He also noted that the payment for the 2023/24 season has not been fully settled, and the council is taking steps to recover the funds. While the council has supported the club in the past, it is not fair for taxpayers to cover the cost. Therefore, if necessary, legal action will be taken. According to officials, the payment of £233,000 was due in March this year, but only about £32,000 has been paid, leaving an outstanding balance of approximately £221,000.

© Stephan Hoogerwaard

City seeks funds

The dispute emerged at a time when the cash-strapped council launched a six-week Shape the City consultation with residents, in an effort to address a feared £24.3 million funding gap for the 2024/25 budget year. The London Road Peterborough Properties Ltd company was declared insolvent in 2023 due to an unpaid debt of £6.6 million.

Darragh MacAnthony said: I don’t comment on ongoing contractual disputes, but I remain committed to reaching an agreement with all parties regarding the stadium and the company that manages it. Everything will be resolved. This has nothing to do with the football club, as it has a long-term lease agreement that is always kept up to date according to its terms.

Weston Homes Stadium was first opened in 1913 as a single wooden stand for 250 people. It wasn’t until 1934 that Peterborough United moved in, and the city, as part of its support for the team, financed a building with locker rooms behind the stand. The main stand underwent significant modernization in 1992 due to safety regulation changes. The most recent addition to the stadium was the two-tier south stand, which opened at the end of the 1995/96 season. The situation changed in November 2014, when the new east stand, accommodating around 2,500 spectators, was opened.

© Stephan Hoogerwaard