NINE hundred jobs would be created building and running Albion's stadium for the community at Falmer.

About 600 jobs would result from the construction work, with a further 300 permanent posts once the stadium, on the outskirts of Brighton, was finished.

The club says almost all of the long-term employees and many of the construction workers would be recruited locally. Albion director Martin Perry said: "It is a key policy of this football club that we play a major part in the community, including generating business and jobs, in particular using local companies.

"This development will be a tremendous boost for local jobs, most notably in the Moulsecoomb and Coldean areas.

"We are very proud to be involved in a project which can deliver such benefits to this area of Brighton and Hove."

The construction workers would include builders, bricklayers, electricians, roofers and fitters, while there would be long-term jobs in maintenance, administration, catering, bar work and other areas.

In addition to these 900 jobs, the club also hopes to set up a craft training centre to train local people in conjunction with local colleges.

Mayor Francis Tonks, who represents Moulsecoomb on Brighton and Hove Council, said: "Moulsecoomb has the highest level of youth unemployment of any ward in Brighton and Hove and this is something we must work to turn round.

"I'm really grateful that the football club is going to put money and resources into thecommunity. It's very good news."

Sussex business leaders are also supporting Albion's vision, saying it would create spin-off benefits for local companies in addition to new jobs at the stadium.

Judy Parkes, president of Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce, said: "There are obviously going to be the benefits of increased numbers of people coming into the city, spending money.

"There are a range of benefits that reach further than football itself, and have a positive impact on the economic community of Brighton and Hove.

"The Chamber of Commerce supports this scheme 100 per cent and I will be voting 'Yes, Yes' in the referendum on May 6.

"We are looking forward to a new stadium as a real asset to the community."

The local branch of the Federation of Small Businesses, which represents 700 businesses across Brighton and Hove, described the Albion as a "valuable asset" to the towns.

Branch chairman Mathew Major said: "Apart from the more obvious sporting aspects of the club, the Albion is also a business which supports other businesses in this town.

"I cannot begin to imagine how much revenue has been lost through playing at Gillingham.

"The new stadium complex will attract visitors from up and down the country, which will add further to the town's local economy. Many may decide to return again."

Ken Caldwell, chief executive of Sussex Enterprise, said: "Sussex Enterprise welcomes the concept of a modern multi-purpose stadium for Brighton and Hove, which would bring valuable benefits to the local economy."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.