ODPM wants more talks with Brighton

Last updated : 24 March 2004 By Bob Gear

Albion Chairman Dick Knight said on The Official Site, "I call on all fans to keep up the pressure - John Prescott is now beginning to understand just how important an issue this is. Falmer is the only viable site for a new stadium and has overwhelming public support. He should not penalise Brighton & Hove because of its geographical constraints, and he must realise the scale of the injustice if he gets this decision wrong."

Albion Chief Executive Martin Perry, also talking to the Official Site said, "This level of support we have received from all over the country has been astonishing and a source of real encouragement to all the team who have worked so hard on this project.

Dick Knight continued by saying "This news demonstrates that the campaign mounted by the fans is having a significant effect. Clearly the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has taken into account the thousands of messages in support of Falmer and the outrage that the flawed report by Inspector Hoile has caused.

"Not only has the Deputy Prime Minister had letters from the City Council, local MPs and councillors, but an enormous number of messages have also been sent to him from all over the country, including from 90 of the 92 Premier & Football League clubs, clearly demonstrating that this is a huge issue of national concern.

Whilst Martin Perry concluded "We must continue to get our message across to John Prescott that there is no other site - Withdean and Sheepcote Valley are complete non-starters - and that the use of the land is justified because of the huge economic and social benefit that arises from the development."

The ODPM has asked for reports from all interested parties by April 9th and will then consider these before submitting a final report to the Deputy Prime Minister for his final decision.