ST HELENS Council will not submit a bid to have a rugby league museum in the town, saying it would not be financially viable.

Charity Rugby League Cares is looking for a new location for the proposed attraction after initial plans for a facility in the city of Bradford fell through.

St Helens did make a bid to host a museum dedicated to the sport during the initial application process four years ago which led to Bradford being awarded the project.

However, long delays and failed funding bids forced this original plan to be abandoned and the charity behind the project, Rugby League Cares, revealed it was looking for another location.

It has been reported neighbouring Wigan has launched a bid to be presented to an independent panel, who will decide the location.

Meanwhile, Kirklees Council has also confirmed its desire to host the museum in Huddersfield’s George Hotel, the birthplace of the Northern Union (rugby league) in 1895.

St Helens Council did explore the option of making a bid this time round but concluded the proposition was "not financially viable" as the local authority was expected to be the "sole funder".

Lisa Harris, executive director of place services for St Helens Council, said: “The council did explore the option of submitting a bid to have the Rugby League Museum in the borough, however the proposition was not financially viable, as the council was expected to be the sole funder.

"During these unprecedented times, it is important to focus council resources where they can make the most difference to the residents and businesses of the borough."