MP Helen Jones is still refusing to make a public statement about the Tesco Extra store and Wolves stadium development, despite criticism from fans and officials.

The Warrington North MP says that while she is keen to see the rugby club succeed, she will not comment on the specific planning application.

In last week's GUARDIAN, Mrs Jones and the council's deputy leader Mike Hughes were slammed because they will not publicly back the stadium plans, which are in her constituency. Clr Hughes sent a letter to the DETR urging refusal of the proposals.

In response to the story, Mrs Jones, said: "I would like to correct a number of assertions.

"The headline suggesting that I have done something to 'put the Wolves' future at risk' is simply not accurate. I have always recognised and articulated, both in Warrington and Westminster, that the new stadium has huge support within the town and that the desire of the Wolves to relocate should be supported.

"It is my understanding that the planning application has been referred to the Secretary of State because the decision of the council's development control committee to pass the proposals were made in contravention of its own planning policies. The public inquiry will allow people the chance to express their views."

And though Helen Southworth, MP for Warrington South, and other town leaders have spoken out in support Mrs Jones says she cannot.

She added: "I have made it clear to the club that I would be happy to discuss any issues of concern with them but that the Secretary of State will not entertain any lobbying from me or any other elected representative (which is always the case in these circumstances and is so from the moment the application is forwarded to the DETR)."

And she says she does not want to see the club fail.

"I do not know the exact state of the club's finances," added Mrs Jones.

"However I go along with everyone else in Warrington in wanting to see the Wolves go from strength to strength and if there is a financial problem I am sure we can discuss mechanisms by which this can be alleviated."