On 26 July 2022 Cllr Les Trumpeter (Charloment with Grove Vale) asked Cabinet member for communities the following question at full council;
Would the cabinet member for communities welcome an approach from West Bromwich Albion supporter groups, to explore granting The Hawthorns an Asset of Community Value (ACV) status?
Under The 2011 Localism Act, The Hawthorns is likely to be identified as an asset of importance to our community’s social wellbeing, and thus potentially eligible to be granted ACV status.
Over the last decade, various sporting arenas have been granted ACV status, including Anfield, Old Trafford and neighbouring St Andrews. This gives comfort to supporters knowing there is a layer of protection, and an opportunity to submit a bid should the current, or any future owner(s), wish to dispose of the stadium.
Speaking on this issue Cllr Trumpeter says, "There are concerns amongst fans that the majority shareholder of WBA could sell The Hawthorns through the back door and then the club would have to lease back its own ground. So, we want The Hawthorns listed as an Asset of Community Vale with Sandwell Council, just like Old Trafford, Anfield and other grounds are. This would mean an extra layer of security because the owners would have to notify Sandwell Council before they sell the ground, which would give fans the chance to buy it first."
