A council leading the opposition to Brighton and Hove Albion's bid for a new stadium at Falmer has earmarked an extra £35,000 for the cause.

Lewes District Council's ruling Cabinet has agreed to commit more money towards the reopened public inquiry into the long-running stadium saga.

Lewes-based Albion supporters claim the council is wasting taxpayers' money to deny the club a much-needed new home. The extra costs - if approved by full council on October 6 - will take its spending on the inquiry to about £125,000.

Campaigners point out that 4,958 people from Lewes were among more than 61,000 who signed a pro-stadium petition. But council leader Ann De Vecchi told The Argus the authority remained committed to opposing the stadium and an extra £35,000 was "a pretty modest amount".

A spokeswoman for the Liberal Democrat-controlled council said: "The reopening of the inquiry means we have to make representations and the extra cost is for the barrister and specialist advice."

Pro-stadium Lib Dems in Brighton and Hove believe Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is to blame for reopening the inquiry instead of making a firm decision last July.

Albion expect to have spent £3 million by the time a decision is reached.

The public inquiry, scrutinising the viability of seven other suggested sites, will reopen in January.

Albion supporters will march in Brighton on September 27 at the Labour Party conference to promote Falmer as the only viable site.

Friday September 10, 2004