By SUZANNE ELSWORTH

RUGBY club mascot Wolfie and the MP at the centre of a furore about the town's new stadium plans came face to face on Friday.

The fur was about to fly before Helen Jones, elected member for Warrington North, finally agreed to meet with angry fans.

As reported in the GUARDIAN, Mrs Jones has refused to make her position clear over where she stands on the proposed stadium and Tesco Extra store plans for the former brewery site on Winwick Road. She has never spoken out publicly about the development which would secure the future of the 121-year-old club which is in severe financial difficulties.

Mrs Jones was in town on Friday to officially open The Energy House in Manchester Road, an environmentally-friendly initiative by the borough council.

But when Wolfie and fans heard about her visit they decided to take the opportunity to set up a peaceful protest.

And their efforts weren't in vain. Mrs Jones invited the cuddly mascot and two fans into the house for an informal chat as her aides slammed the door in the face of the waiting press.

After the brief meeting, Gina Coldrick, media and PR officer of the Wolves, said: "She is going to have a chat with us and put her points across.

"She doesn't want this to interrupt the opening of The Energy House, but she has said she is willing to listen and take on board what we have to say.

"This is a positive move, but she told us that, speaking as a lawyer, it's very important she is not seen to be putting pressure on John Prescott."

This isn't the first time that the fans have tried to meet with Mrs Jones, but they say in the past 'she has sat on the fence and refused to budge.'

But says Gina: "At least she is prepared to listen to us."