Last updated 19:29, Thursday, 04 December 2008

THE MEN in charge of the three main sports clubs in Workington have given their views ahead of Thursday’s referendum.

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Keith Denham: Owner of the Comets

Workington Town rugby league club and Workington Reds football club would move into the new 6,000-capacity stadium under the option recommended by Allerdale council’s Derwent Valley task force.

Workington Comets speedway team would remain at Derwent Park, and take over sole ownership of that facility.

Town chairman Dave Bowden is in favour of the new development, but is not sure whether the referendum will be of benefit.

He said: “I’m all in favour of democracy, but I don’t see what value this referendum is going to add.

“It is taking place in a fairly restricted area of town, but the facilities will be enjoyed by a wider range of people.

“And the community at large has already spoken in favour of the stadium through the consultation process.”

He thought that too much of the debate was surrounding the stadium, and not enough consideration was being given to the remainder of the proposed development.

He said: “It’s not about Workington Reds, Town and Comets – it’s about an integrated facility for all of the community.”

Reds chairman Humphrey Dobie has said he will resign if his club is forced to move into the new stadium.

He said: “I don’t think the referendum will have any effect, but it should do.

“I believe that people should be given the right to have a voice, and depending what the result is, it should be taken into account.”

Mr Dobie said he had not been given financial information on how the new stadium would affect the football club.

He added: “We are still hoping to skewer the plan, because I think it would be the death knell of the Reds.

“We’ve not had one figure about the new stadium. If you were moving into a house and you didn’t know the rent, would you go?

“It’s not possible to write a business plan if you don’t know what the figures are.”

Comets owner Keith Denham is a supporter of the referendum.

Under the current plans for the site, his team would remain at Derwent Park.

He said: “It’s ratepayers’ money that is funding this, and it’s got to be what a majority of people want.

“I think it’s a good idea to ask them what they want, rather than just ploughing ahead.

“I didn’t want the new stadium at first but I do now.

“I’ve got to be a bit selfish and do what’s best for the club.”