Parties united over World Cup rugby bid (From The Argus)

Parties united over Brighton World Cup rugby bid

9:10am Monday 19th November 2012 in News

The bid to bring World Cup rugby to Brighton has gained momentum after all three major parties expressed support.

Conservative and Labour politicians on Brighton and Hove City Council have submitted a motion to the next full council meeting calling for support for the bidding process.

The support was echoed by the Green administration who said they were pleased that opposition councillors were backing the proposal.

The award winning American Express Community Stadium is on a shortlist of 17 possible locations for the Rugby World Cup in 2015.

If the city was successful, the venue would host several group matches with several teams likely to use Brighton and Hove as their base.

Conservative group leader Councillor Geoffrey Theobald said the city should “grasp the opportunity with both hands”.

He added: “We want to give the organisers of the Rugby World Cup the clear and unequivocal message that Brighton and Hove City Council sits foursquare behind this bid to be a host city in 2015.”

Labour and Co-operative group leader Gill Mitchell said: “This is an extraordinary opportunity and we must do all we can to ensure that we are chosen as a host city.”

Green council leader Jason Kitcat said: “This is a tremendous opportunity for the city, economically and culturally, as well as in terms of our world profile.”

See the latest news headlines from The Argus:

• Political coup to oust Brighton and Hove council leader fails
• Open day at well-being centre in Hove
• Sussex Boat owners urged to carry out safety checks
• Sussex mum of eight guilty of £350,000 benefit fraud
• Plans for rooftop gardens in Brighton and Hove

More news from The Argus

Follow @brightonargus

Like us on Facebook

 Add us to your circles on Google+