The pressure is mounting on the new Labour Government to give the go-ahead for the Falmer stadium sooner rather than later.

The Argus invited readers to write to Tony Blair via the paper setting out why Brighton and Hove Albion need the new 22,000-seat arena.

We have been inundated with emails and returned coupons since we asked for your messages ahead of Sunday's brilliant draw against Ipswich Town, which ensured the Seagulls Championship football for another year.

We are planning to swamp the Government with your views and want hundreds more responses.

The public inquiry into the Falmer application finished last Thursday and planning inspector David Brier will make his report to the Government some time over the summer.

The club expects a final decision towards the end of the year.

Mr Blair is already well aware of the massive public support for the stadium in Sussex. Thousands of Albion fans marched along the seafront during last year's Labour Conference and a massive petition was delivered to 10 Downing Street by Des Lynam and Norman Cook.

He also visited the city several times in the run-up to the election and was quizzed about Falmer by The Argus and successful Labour parliamentary candidate for Hove and Portslade, Celia Barlow.

An Albion spokesman said: "The application is now out of the club's hands but the fans and readers of The Argus still have a big role to play in making sure the Government does not forget how badly we need and want this stadium.

"We are probably going to have to wait until the end of the year for a verdict so we would encourage all supporters to submit your comments via The Argus to the new Government.

"We have waited six years so let's have a good final push and leave Mr Blair in no doubt that Falmer is the only viable, affordable and sustainable option."

The Argus will collect all messages sent in and publish a selection before delivering them to Government offices in London.

Send your coupons to The Argus Stadium Campaign, 9 Dyke Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 3FE, or email rob.hustwayte@theargus.co.uk marking the email with Message to the Labour Government.