Imagine a world where public urination becomes a colorful, albeit embarrassing, lesson for offenders. That’s exactly what the Rugby Football Union (RFU) is proposing to ease tensions with Twickenham locals as they push for a new license to host more events at Allianz Stadium. But here’s where it gets controversial: the RFU wants to use ‘anti-pee paint’—a substance that ensures anyone who urinates against a treated wall ends up drenched in their own mess. While it sounds like a creative solution, it’s just one piece of a much larger puzzle that has residents up in arms.
The RFU is seeking permission from Richmond Council to host up to 15 concerts annually, a move they claim is essential to generate revenue for their £660 million overhaul of Twickenham. However, their plans hit a snag when the council decided to cap the number of concerts at three per year, with only one allowed on a non-Saturday. This decision has been hailed as a victory for residents who argue the RFU’s ambitions are unreasonable. And this is the part most people miss: the RFU has hinted at relocating to cities like Milton Keynes or Birmingham if their plans are continually thwarted.
Residents’ concerns go beyond just noise levels. At a recent council meeting, 192 objections were raised compared to just 13 in favor. Complaints ranged from drunken behavior and public urination to unhygienic streets littered with excrement. One resident poignantly noted, ‘Children are forced to walk through dried urine on their way to school.’ The RFU acknowledges these issues and has proposed measures like portable toilets, increased police presence, and the infamous anti-pee paint. But is it enough?
The debate doesn’t end there. The RFU’s application is split into licensing and planning, with the latter seen as the more critical battleground. While they’ve been granted permission for smaller events like weddings until 1:30 a.m., their push for more concerts remains uncertain. Insiders believe that even if their planning application succeeds, they’ll need to amend their newly granted license—a process fraught with delays, including a recent requirement for an environmental statement due to transport concerns.
Here’s the real question: Are the RFU’s ambitions fair to Twickenham residents, or are they prioritizing profit over community well-being? The council’s decision to explicitly limit concerts in the license rather than leaving it to planning suggests they’re siding with locals. But with the planning process expected to drag into next year, this saga is far from over. As England prepares to host autumn internationals at Twickenham, the stadium’s future as a multi-purpose venue hangs in the balance. What do you think? Is the RFU’s approach reasonable, or are they pushing too hard? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
