Last updated at 11:51, Friday, 02 November 2012

Workington could become a thriving “centre for sport” if its three main clubs work together to promote the area.

The comments come as a planned £1.5m redevelopment of the Workington Reds’ Borough Park stadium moved a step closer this week.

After two years of talks between the football club and its landlord, Allerdale Council, a deal has been struck.

Councillors have agreed to give the football club a new 30-year lease which will allow them to seek funding for the upgrade.

Laura Morgan, who saved Workington Comets, welcomed the news and called on supporters and clubs to work together to promote sport in the area.

She said: “I think it [the lease] can only be good for Workington but not only for Workington but for the whole of west Cumbria. It’s brilliant for the Reds.

“The rugby club getting the upgrades for the world cup is brilliant for speedway and for Town.

“Personally I would like all three groups working together to promote sport.

“Workington could become a centre for support but the supporters also need to keep coming – the buck stops with them.”

The Comets have been saved by a new promoter and the team has ended the season on a high.

Meanwhile, Workington Town have been promoted to the Co-operative Championship and have also learned that an upgraded Derwent Park will play host to two Rugby League World Cup games next year.

Allerdale Council has already estimated that the World Cup games alone will boost the local economy by more than £700,000.

A meeting of the council’s executive yesterday gave the green light for Reds’ chairman Humphrey Dobie’s plans.

Work is due to start at Borough Park next April, with the west stand demolished and replaced by a new 1,200-capacity structure.

The new stand would include a function room, offices, changing facilities, sponsors and visiting officials’ rooms. It will provide valuable non-football income to invest in the club.

As part of the agreement Workington’s annual rent has increased from £2,836 per year to £15,000.

However, Allerdale Council has cushioned the blow by agreeing a five year sponsorship deal separate from the lease that will see the council pay the club £10,000 a year.

First published at 11:33, Friday, 02 November 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk