MONARCHS AND SAINSBURYS LOOK TO WORK TOGETHER

NEWS Wednesday 19th August 2009, 7:51pm

by Mike Hunter

  Edinburgh Monarchs

The Scotwaste Monarchs and Sainsburys issued a joint statement to the press today updating everyone on how their collaboration is progressing.

Since Sainsbury's announced its plans to invest ?23 million in Armadale by developing a 40,000 sq ft foodstore in April this year, they have remained in continual and constructive dialogue with current tenants of Armadale Stadium, the Scotwaste Monarchs, to secure the long term future of the Speedway team.

The Scotwaste Monarchs wish to secure their home within the West Lothian area and therefore both parties are pleased that Sainsbury's have agreed to provide a package to assist in locating and securing land to facilitate the development of a new stadium for the Scotwaste Monarchs, and also there long term future through investment in training and youth facilities not currently afforded via the current premises. Should Sainsbury's be granted planning permission, it is hope that a new facility will be in place for the commencement of the 2011 season.

Commenting on the announcement Alex Harkess, Scotwaste Monarchs Chairman stated:

?We have been aware for sometime that 2009 could be the final year the Scotwaste Monarchs would call Armadale Stadium its home. The recent offer, agreed with Sainsbury's, for the provision of a package not only extends our time at Armadale Stadium until the end of the 2010 season. But, importantly, secures the long term future of the Scotwaste Monarchs, hopefully within our chosen area of West Lothian.

As well as financial assistance, Sainsbury's will provide us with expertise in locating and securing a new stadium site, which should allow us to invest in grass roots development and training, currently unavailable through the operational arrangements at the current Armadale site.

We look forward to working with Sainsbury's and their team during this exciting time of growth for the Scotwaste Monarchs.?

Dougal Hartley, Development Surveyor for Sainsbury's in Scotland stated:

We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement to provide a relocation package with the Scotwaste Monarchs. We have always made it our priority to engage with the Scotwaste Monarchs representatives and the agreement to provide a package demonstrates our commitment to relocating them from the existing Armadale Stadium location, providing them with a platform from which to develop the club, nurturing local young talent in West Lothian.?