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John rallies the troops

Tony Howard
7/ 4/2006

SALFORD Reds chairman John Wilkinson has issued a rallying call for fans to write to deputy PM John Prescott demanding he backs the club's new stadium plans

In an emotional address to the Willows crowd at half time during the Reds' victory over Dewsbury, Mr Wilkinson called on Salford people to put pen to paper by writing to the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott as the Barton stadium plans are set to be put through a public inquiry in June.

He said: "I went on the pitch to appeal to the fans to get writing to Mr Prescott and tell him why a new stadium will be such a necessary benefit for Salford as a city - not just for now but for 125 years to come.

"Not only rugby fans will benefit but it will boost the whole community in terms of jobs and regeneration, as well as giving us a stadium to match the performances the Reds are currently putting in on the pitch.

"It worked for Warrington when their stadium was called in for a public inquiry. Over 3,000 people from the town wrote to the Deputy Prime Minister and it was passed."

Mr Wilkinson will make a similar address at Friday's home match against Huddersfield.

He added: "People power is a big weapon for Salford at the moment as we also fight the closure of maternity services at Hope. It's a side to the city people outside the area don't see - we will fight for Salford and are proud of our city.

"Get writing to Mr Prescott and let him know how you feel about the stadium."

Former Reds ace Stevie Nash was on hand to sign the Forever Reds petition backing the stadium which will be handed in during the public inquiry which will begin on Tuesday, June 20.

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Write to: Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott at: Office of Deputy Prime Minister, Eland House, Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DU.

Or alternatively write to the planning inspector at: Debra Tobin, Planning Inspectorate, Room 4/04 Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN.

Quote reference: APP/U4230/V06/1197821