Positive talks over stadium

OLDHAM Rugby League Club have had "positive" on-site talks with Oldham Council about plans to upgrade the Whitebank Stadium.

Council leader Jim McMahon and Councillor Jean Stretton, a cabinet member with special responsibility for neighbourhoods, were given a guided tour of the stadium by Roughyeds chairman Chris Hamilton.

The visit was a follow-up to a meeting of council leader and club chairman back in August which paved the way for the council to complete legalities over the ground's ownership and security of tenure.

Roughyeds later told fans that they planned to upgrade Whitebank to comply with minimum standards for a division higher than the one in which the club will be competing next season.

Ground capacity has to be increased from 1,502 to 3,000, including at least 500 seats, and floodlights need upgrading.

It was proposed to build permanent toilet facilities and put in terracing down the Whitebank Road side of the ground as priority improvements.

Commenting on the recent visit by the two councillors, Mr Hamilton said he had discussed various options and possibilities with them while showing them around the ground.

"It was a very positive meeting," he added. "And arising from it there will be further discussions and exchange of ideas.

"For some time now work has been going on behind the scenes with the club's architects and quantity surveyors to firm up costings etc for the work that needs to be done to comply with minimum standards.

"It was also an opportunity to tell them about the club's community work, not only in Limehurst Village but across the borough."

The Supporters' Association stages a fund-raising quiz night at Whitebank tonight (8pm). Entry to the quiz is £1.