Prescott Must Back Falmer says Lib Dem Group Leader

9.35.39am GMT Mon 16th Feb 2004

Elgood: Seagulls application will bring huge benefits to Brighton

The City Council's Liberal Democrat Group Leader has written to the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott urging him to support the Albion's dream of a stadium at Falmer.

In a letter to John Prescott, Councillor Paul Elgood, added his voice to many thousands of supporters for the stadium.

Paul said:

"I have supported Falmer at each stage of the planning process and have done so again by writing to John Prescott. Not all of my party's colleagues from elsewhere agree with me, but I strongly believe that a community stadium is in the best interest of the city and this is the only site available to deliver it on."

"There is no other site on the table and there is no other option open. This is the best way to keep the Albion operational and succeeding."

"John Prescott has the power rule in favour of Falmer, and I hope he turns the Albion's dream into a reality."

In the letter to John Prescott, Paul writes:

"If the application is granted there will be enormous benefit for the city and surrounding region in terms of jobs, leisure and community facilities, sporting provision and continued support for Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club."

"The application has gone through a robust and exhaustive process. I can say this from the position of leading an opposition political party in the city, which includes members from outside of the city who are sceptical of the plan. The outcome of the democratic planning process should now be honoured by you."

"The council has undertaken a thorough search for alternative sites for such a stadium. This has proved to be negative and the Albion is left with only one choice for survival. Indeed, the significance of the Albion to this part of the region is huge - you have to go to Portsmouth, Crystal Palace or Gillingham to find clubs of similar size and prominence."