Ref: PR1951
Date: 10/10/08

Wakefield Council has unanimously agreed to do all it can to support the district’s three professional rugby league clubs.

Following a lengthy discussion at Wakefield Council, all councillors agreed that the Council would continue to help the district’s three professional rugby league clubs, although no direct financial help could be given.

The Council also agreed that officers would work with the clubs, examining the Council’s land holdings to see if they could possibly be used to support future development.

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Peter Box, and Leader of the Conservative Group, Cllr Bryan Denson, agreed this was the way forward and pledged all parties would work together to support rugby league in the district

Cllr Box said further talks are to be held with both Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and their supporters following the decision - endorsed  by Council - not to proceed with plans for a community sports stadium in Thornes Park.

Council Leader Cllr Peter Box said the Council could not afford to go ahead with the project, which a feasibility study showed would have cost £56m to build and £3m a year to run. Anchor tenants for the proposed stadium were to be Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers are seeking new stadiums to maintain their position in the Super League.  Featherstone Rovers similarly have stadium ambitions so they can develop further.

Cllr Box said: “We have always sought to help the three rugby league clubs in the district in various ways over the years. However, the Council is unable to give direct financial help but we will do all we can to support the clubs in their ambitions, particularly in retaining Super League status.

“I am hopeful we will be able to find a way forward and we will continue to debate this issue inside and outside Council meetings.”

Cllr Denson said:  “I fear that the decision on the stadium has put Wakefield Trinity Wildcats back three years.  But this is a positive step forward and I am pleased the Council has taken notice of our position. I welcome further debates to find ways of supporting the clubs and rugby league in this district.

“By working together, I hope we can deliver a solution. We want a level playing field for all the clubs.”

Ted Richardson, Chair of Wakefield Trinity Wildcats said: “This is good news that the local authority is concerned enough to work together to keep first-class rugby league in this district.”

Ends