Hampton Football Club

10.43.48am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 3rd Jun 2003

Vincent Cable MP with the youngsters from Hampton Rangers

Vincent Cable has asked Thames Water to re-open a sportsfield to local youngsters from the Hampton Rangers Football Team, who lost access - after 25 years - following a spate of vandalism which led to the destruction of changing rooms.

Despite proposals from the club - which fields several youth teams in Hampton - to improve security and to clear up the site - Thames Water have so far declined to reply (for over six months) or to take calls.

Vincent Cable said; "There is a really urgent need for good games facilities for young people in Hampton and one of the best supported local clubs, Hampton Rangers, is struggling to meet the obligations by its Junior League. Yet, here, a good pitch is sitting idle despite an offer to help meet all Thames' Water's needs. "

"After the club was not getting anywhere with local management I have now taken up the issue with the Head of Thames Water. We are not asking for much and I hope they will show some good neighbourness".