AN overwhelming 92 per cent of callers to the Argus Albion hotline say the club should move to Falmer.

Within hours of the phone line opening yesterday morning, it had been flooded with calls from people wanting to register their vote.

And the verdict so far is clear - Albion should move permanently to farmland at Falmer.

The huge 'yes' vote endorses the view of the both the ruling Labour and opposition Tory groups of Brighton and Hove Council.

And if it is repeated in a ballot it will give a big boost to the Seagulls' hopes of a permanent home at Falmer.

Ratepayers will be able to give their view on the scheme with a voting slip to coincide with the May 6 council elections.

Life-long Albion fan John Bowles, 30, of Campbell Road, Brighton, is one who will be voting for the Falmer move.

He said: "We all know the draw of the Albion has never been in question. We've been deprived of the club for too long.

"The sooner they get back to Brighton, the sooner we can all give them the support they deserve."

Albion director Martin Perry said: "Falmer provides the best opportunity for a stadium for the community, but there's a lot of work to do with the council and other interested parties.

"We are delighted to see so much support but we are certainly not complacent."

Our phone lines will remain open today.

SHOULD ALBION GO TO FALMER? YES: Call 0930 162501. NO: Call 0930 162502.

FALMER residents are calling for their own ballot to help decide the plans for Albion's new stadium.

Under plans revealed in yesterday's Argus, Brighton and Hove ratepayers will receive a voting slip to coincide with the May 6 local elections to decide whether or not Village Way North, Falmer, is the best venue.

But because all 82 homes in the village lie within the Lewes District Council boundary, none of the residents can vote.

Mother-of-three Melanie Cutress, of Victoria Cottages, Falmer, said: "I think it's disgusting. I'm opposed to the plans but I won't be allowed my say."

Council leader Lord Bassam said: "It is vital we take into account the views of all Falmer residents throughout the planning process."

A spokeswoman for Lewes District Council said: "No one from Brighton council or the Albion has ever spoken to us about the proposal. It's being seen as a Brighton issue but it's very much a Falmer issue too."

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