Row on cost of new Cannock Stadium site

Opposition councillors have criticised a move to restore sports facilities on the land before knowing how much it will cost. The plan was approved by the Labour cabinet last month.

A public consultation, which received 410 responses, revealed that football pitches and an athletics track were the most popular amenities people wanted to see provided.

But Conservatives on Cannock Chase District Council have called the survey into question, saying that the consultation's scope was too narrow and the number of responses too few.

Tory leader Councillor Paul Snape said: "The consultation was flawed because nothing has been costed.

"It's like asking a child if it wants a lollipop – they're always going to say yes.

"But if you are able to say this facility will cost you eight per cent extra in council tax, that is a fairer way to put the question. In the survey 352 of the 410 who replied said they wanted something developed there. If you take the 94,500 population of Cannock, that's just 0.0028 per cent of the people who are making that decision."

He said the old stadium in Pye Green Road cost £165,000 a year to run compared to the £40,000 it brought in.

Councillor Christine Mitchell, cabinet member for sport, rejected his comments, arguing the old stadium was well-used but badly managed.

Scrutiny chairman John Kraujalis added: "More than 400 responses was a lot compared to others we have done. The Conservatives are upset because many of them would like to see the site turned over to housing."

Returning the site to a sporting venue was part of the manifesto which saw Labour take back leadership of the council in 2010.