Ex-Workington Reds chairman Dale Brotherton has withdrawn his bid to buy Borough Park after being told it is not for sale.

Brotherton met Allerdale Council with a view to purchasing the stadium and then handing Workington Reds a 100-year lease.

But he has now been told that the ground is not for sale and the council are working with Reds.

“Allerdale Council have stated that Borough Park, the home of Workington Reds since 1937, is not for sale to any third parties and that they are working with the Reds in their vision for the future,” said Brotherton.

“I feel this is a boost to everyone that the local authority wants to help the club achieve its aims and means, also that the club have a free reign in which to secure the future of Borough Park.

“As far as I am concerned, there is no point in continuing my bid to purchase the freehold of the stadium as this was the only option I could give to the Reds.”

Brotherton had submitted an undisclosed offer to Allerdale Council for the freehold of the Borough Park site.

But he admitted this had been knocked back by the council and he had decided to walk away as he could not offer any further help to the club, due to other commitments.

He added: “I simply do not have the time at my disposal to partake in any other proposal involving Workington Reds either now or in the future.”