We need to be strong if stadium dream is to become a reality

10:44am Thursday 8th May 2008

I WRITE with regard to recent developments for the new St Helens stadium project. I noted the comments of MP Dave Watts following his meeting with the property director of Wm Morrison in Bradford 'MP warns Morrisons over objection to stadium plans' (Star April 27).

It can be noted that Mr Watts describes the stance of the Morrisons representative to have been negative'.

The St Helens public need to be strong and vigilant if the dream, not an unrealistic dream, of a stadium for the benefit of St Helens RLFC and also the community of St Helens as a whole is to be achieved.

Firstly, we should recognise that Morrisons', who operate not one, but two supermarkets in the town, interest is purely commercial as opposed to any interest in the overall infrastructure of St Helens. Secondly, the vast majority of the people of St Helens, i.e. the people who have expressed extremely strong support for the proposed development which surely is paramount to the future of sport in St Helens and the survival of Saints within the borough should be heard.

As previously expressed, Morrisons, although far from the largest supermarket chain in the UK are understandably wishing to protect their own backs and interest to make money as any business would do; but at what cost to the public of St Helens?

The only way forward, and time is not on our side, is to confront Wm Morrisons head on in the interests of the St Helens community.

What can we do? Firstly, take for example, an average family who may spend at the supermarket £150 per month on food and groceries. Also the family may run one, or perhaps, two cars, bearing in mind the price of fuel these days, it would be easy to spend £150 per month, a total outlay of circa £300. If we were to take, for example, 5,000 Saints fans or concerned residents this would equate to one a half million pound in a month.

I'm wondering whether anybody else has thought of organising some meaningful campaign to attack the policy of Morrisons, which is at variance to the wishes of the community as a whole. If so, please write in to see if a committee can be formed to organise a protest.

N CRITCHLEY (full address supplied)

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