MORE THAN 140 people voiced their opinions on proposals for a new stadium to be built in Workington.

Allerdale Council is behind plans to build a shared stadium for Workington Town Rugby League and Workington Reds Football clubs.

Initial plans have been drawn up and a drop-in event was held at Workington Leisure Centre to allow fans and residents to have their say on the project, as well as speak to experts about the designs ahead of a planning application being submitted in the new year.

Alan Smith, leader of the council, said: “It was great to see so much interest in the new stadium, and I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to come down and see the plans and comment. These will now all be collated and fed back into the design process.”

The planned development would be situated around the current location for the Workington Reds ground and includes an 8,000-capacity stadium and a full-size synthetic pitch for community use.

A council spokesman said: “With shared costs and new, modern and more efficient facilities, the new stadium would make the clubs more sustainable and encourage a bigger fanbase. The stadium is also being designed to include office space for tenants, and a hospitality suite, all bringing in revenue to help cover its running costs.”

Workington Comets currently use the track at Derwent Park, which is home to Workington Town. While there are no plans for speedway facilities at the new stadium, Mr Smith and council officers have met with the Comets’ representatives to discuss future options.

The spokesman added: “As the new stadium will be built on the current location of Borough Park, there is no immediate need to relocate the speedway team at this time.”

To comment on the project visit www.allerdale.gov.uk/stadium.