As the clock struck midnight last year, us folk here in Luton, like the rest of the world, had no idea what was in store for us. It all started off so positively in January with the news that C&R’s application for a Judicial Review had been rejected and that ‘enough was enough’ . We were all looking forward to work starting on our new stadium aside the development at Newlands Park. But fate had other plans without any planning permission and with no legal recourse to judicially review. As 10,000 plus fans attended the last home game for Luton Town on 29 February versus Stoke, none of us had any inkling that give it a few months and cardboard cut outs would be providing LTFC support. A beautiful snippet of crowd noise when fans were allowed to return briefly but we all know that ended in ‘tiers’.
And so our review of the year simply has to acknowledge all of our town folk who upped their game and put others above themselves to look after their communities. The people who responded when others needed help, you have epitomised community.
We cannot forget the work of our wonderful friends at Old Skool Pantry, supporting pubs to ensure they could remain open by providing a substantial meal (or Scotch Egg!) and Mr Grocers for keeping us in flour and fresh veg. Luton Town Community Trust provided a wealth of support for those feeling lonely or isolated, hosting coffee mornings and walks as well as working with local schools to create Christmas cards. They often say the club is at the heart of a community and their care for others during such a difficult time, really illustrated this.
We couldn’t possibly forget to mention Next Generation Youth Theatre and their crucial work and support with the young people of our town who have thrived as a result of their support.
We mustn’t forget the work of the magnificent Luton Foodbank either who have sadly been needed more than ever.
When Marcus Rashford’s Bill got voted out of Parliament, the response from you all locally was overwhelming to provide free school meals to the kids of our town, including Luton Town Football Club. To the wonderful gentleman just up the A6 who raised so much money for the NHS aged 100 by walking in his garden. To all at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital who have worked tirelessly and now find themselves right back at the heart of this crisis.
Until such time as our GP practices are in the position to roll out the vaccine, please do stay safe and just keep on doing what you have been, so brilliantly. Do also let us know if we can help you or help others in any way. Lutonians, you have done yourselves proud. Please continue to look out for each other and we will do our utmost to keep looking out for you and this Town we love.
And Executive Committee at Luton Brough Council, we will be looking to you to make the right decision, when you decide whether or not to grant a lease for LTFC’s new training facility. Already granted planning permission, the agreement of lease terms will bring much needed income to the Council and enable 2020 Developments to forge ahead with their plans to re-develop our town. We are watching!
Wherever you may be, and whoever you may be with, we wish all of our Save Our Town followers a happy and healthy New Year! We look forward to sharing lots of positivity and good news for our town in 2021.