Final bid to save stadium

Opponents to the sale of Cannock stadium have branded the controversial plan a disgrace at a public inquiry.

Cannock Chase Council wants to sell off the Pye Green Road stadium to fund a multi-million pound revamp of leisure facilities across the district.

At the inquiry yesterday Ken Jackson, chairman of Chase Voluntary Service, said: "The stadium is the only jewel in the crown that Cannock has ever had.

"For those of us who were very poor in the 40s, to have that stadium – something that no-one else had – was an inspiration to us."

Phil Hewitt, chairman of AFC Cannock Town football club, said it would be a "disgrace" to sell off the facility.

Mr Hewitt, of Heath Hayes, said: "We've used the stadium for about 10 to 12 years, and it's been an absolute joy. It's a wonderful place and as a football club we have really flourished there," he added.

Derek Fellows, president of Cannock and Stafford Athletics Club, said: "It appears that our record does not impress the ruling councillors enough to keep the stadium open."

Mr Fellows said he feared the club – which has moved its base to Rowley Park in Stafford – would lose membership from Cannock in the period between the stadium closing and the opening of the council's promised new facility at Blake Valley Technology College.

Mr Jeremy Cahill QC, acting for the council, pointed out that the club had been offered the use of facilities at Cannock Leisure Centre, but Mr Fellows said it had not been suitable for the club's needs.

Cannock Councillor Mick Grocott said the authority was committed to improving leisure facilities across the district. "We are looking to the future, not the past," he said. The inquiry is due to come to an end today.