Mayor throws his weight behind supporters' campaign

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone has thrown his weight behind the Back the Bees campaign to raise £1m by the end of September to enable the purchase of Brentford FC by its supporters.

In an open letter to the campaign, Mayor Livingstone said: ‘I fully support greater participation and community involvement in sport and am therefore glad to be associated with a campaign that focuses on the ownership of football clubs through supporters’ trusts. I recognise that Brentford FC, and many of its fans, make a valuable contribution to your local communities.’

He added: ‘I will continue to champion the valuable contributions that your team and football in general offer to Londoners and to visitors to this city.’

Of the Mayor’s endorsement, Back the Bees campaign spokesman Chris Scott commented‘ I’m delighted that Mayor Livingstone has taken the time to support the Back the Bees campaign, His backing highlights the benefit that supporter ownership offers not just to football clubs and their fans but to wider local communities.’

Brentford FC operates an extensive Football in the Community programme, coming into contact with thousands of children and families in the neighbouring London boroughs.

July 7, 2005