BRIAN Simpson, Labour MEP for the north west, is fully behind the stadium plans and he is urging the fans to write to John Prescott with their views.

"It is disappointing that the plans have been called in," he said, "but it's not a big surprise.

"I, together with Lord Hoyle, Helen Southworth MP and Clr John Gartside, fully support the planning application that has been passed by the borough council and have made my views known to the Government as well as to organisations locally.

"What we need now is the people of Warrington to get behind the proposals by writing to the Deputy Prime Minister giving their support.

"If hundreds of rugby league-loving Warrington fans do this, then I am sure the Deputy Prime Minister will consider the depth of support that this plan has when it makes his final decision.

And he says it is vital that the plans go ahead.

"For me it is absolutely imperative that we get a new stadium in Warrington in order that the long tradition of rugby league can be maintained," he added.