It's good to talk, say clubs

2:00pm Thursday 6th December 2007

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NORTHWICH Rugby Club will discuss the idea of a groundshare with Witton Albion at Moss Farm.

Last week the Guardian exclusively revealed that sketches drawn up by the borough council included the option of a stadium type' development to house the two clubs at the Winnington complex.

"We're willing to look at it," said Northwich chairman Sam Naylor.

Both clubs will be asked for their views as part of a consultation to be launched in the coming weeks.

They have not yet held formal talks about getting together.

Mike Worthington, Naylor's counterpart at Witton, said he was looking forward to meeting his opposite number to see how the proposal could work.

He revealed that Albion have been working on their vision for Moss Farm.

"I'm hoping to have some sort of drawings done in terms of what we can bring to the party," he said.

Last week councillors saw two draft masterplans detailing what the complex could look like in the future.

The total cost of redeveloping the site could be more than £10million, according to Vale Royal Borough Council.

Both authorities have ruled out Northwich and Witton spearheading separate developments there.

"I don't believe we can have the rugby club and support a separate football stadium on the same site," said Chris Bottomley, head of leisure for Vale Royal.

"It's simply not big enough."

The public will be asked for their view on his suggestion - a stadium capable of holding a crowd of around 3,000 people with space for 150 cars - before February.

Members of Moss Farm Joint Management Committee have yet to decide whether they support the idea, but Naylor says all options should be considered.

"Whatever is decided must be in the best interests of both us and the other people who play sport there."