Red may have noticed the reports in the press over the last couple of days regarding Ryan Giggs and his proposal to build a new house in Worsley. Here was the Guardian’s take on it:
‘Some of the residents of Broad Oak Park, in which the 0.39-hectare site lies, seem to be hot under the collar over the prospect. Yesterday's Daily Mail reported that the secretary of the residents' association, a 67-year-old retired head of a printing firm named Ian Hastie, has circulated a document indicating his displeasure at the idea of pulling down the existing building, erected in 1901 and recently the domicile of a Mills and Boon novelist named Mary Wibberley, and replacing it with Giggs’ idea of a home for his partner and their small daughter.
‘"The desecration of this building - it is the jewel in the crown of this beautiful area - is deeply upsetting," Hastie wrote. "It is a real shame that a wonderful house built more than 100 years ago has to go as a result of Ryan Giggs' tastes."
‘Something else Hastie wrote, however, indicated a man whose principal priority may not be the preservation of the architectural integrity of Broad Oak Park.
‘"We do not want a man living a Footballers' Wives-type lifestyle on our doorstep," he told his fellow residents.’
Red Issue has received an e-mail from Mr Hastie who is upset at the quotes attributed to him. He told us that his ‘only concern is the loss of a fine Victorian House’ but that ‘the plan submitted by Ryan Giggs looks like a fine house completely in keeping with the surrounding area.’
He also completely denies making the ‘Footballer’s Wives’ comment and tells us ‘I now know how the press twist things just to make a story. They never lat the truth get in the way.’ The message, which welcomed Giggs to Broad Oak Park, has been passed on to the club.