In a recent Hammers United supporter survey, thousands of members and non-members alike identified ‘bringing more local businesses and sellers to the London Stadium’ as one of the top three immediate priorities they would like supporters’ groups to focus on.
At a structured dialogue meeting with the club on March 24, Hammers United raised this item and the club made clear its desire to see local sellers outside the London Stadium.
The club indicated this was something they continue to explore.
Hammers United volunteered to begin contacting local businesses and sellers to understand how to support them. We also agreed to ask ISC member groups for expressions of interest in joining a sub-committee dedicated to finding solutions. Finally, we asked that the club share information with the ISC that it deemed relevant, including any potential barriers to trading outside the London Stadium on a matchday.
Hammers United met with the club again on June 2, following a request from the club to discuss our Supporter Vision. At this meeting, the club reaffirmed their commitment to working with Hammers United and the ISC on the top two priorities identified at the Structured Dialogue meeting on March 24 and referenced in our vision. Namely ‘the look and feel of The London Stadium’ and ‘bringing more local businesses and sellers to The London Stadium’.
The ISC has since formed a sub-committee, made up of representatives from Hammers United and other FSA affiliated supporters’ groups, with the sole focus of ‘bringing more local businesses and sellers to the London Stadium’.
This sub-committee is now in dialogue with the Metropolitan Police and Newham Council. The LLDC and Freeman events have also been contacted with a view to trading on the island.
Although Newham Council currently have a “no traders policy”, they have agreed to include an item on the agenda for discussion at the next Safety Advisory Group meeting on August 3. Our proposal, which will be given consideration at that meeting, is that a season long trial of local sellers trading on the approaches to the London Stadium be carried out. A full review would then follow that trial.
Hammers United will update our members & other stakeholders as soon as there have been any further developments & if a trial is subsequently approved ,will appeal for any potential local sellers who may wish to participate, to make themselves known.
Long Live West Ham.
Hammers United Committee.
