FIVE hundred Albion fans were told last night that a group of Withdean residents is backing the club's bid to return to Brighton.

Paul Whelch, of Eldred Avenue, told a packed public meeting at Brighton University's Sallis Benney Theatre that he was launching an action group to support plans for a three-year stay at Withdean Stadium. And he revealed "dozens" of locals could be joining the group, which will rival the Save Withdean Environment Action Team (SWEAT) campaign opposing the proposal. Residents Action for the Seagulls at Withdean group wanted to work together with fans and objectors alike. He said: "I would say there were dozens of us willing to form this group, but we are not aiming to confront anyone. "It's really about building bridges, because a lot of what's been said is scaremongering." Delighted Bring Home the Albion spokesman Adrian Newnham told the Argus: "Over the weekend, I was contacted by a number of Withdean residents who said they were deeply offended by what was being put through their letter boxes by opponents of the plan. "Knowing that some local people are more supportive is heartening." Hundreds of fans at the meeting heard Albion chiefs vow to bring back the club. At the meeting Albion chairman Dick Knight and director Martin Perry catalogued a list of deals they are hoping to clinch to calm fears of local disruption, including: A liaison committee comprising fans, residents, police and councillors, with an independent chairman to monitor concerns at Withdean. Satellite park-and-ride stops to be connected with the stadium by 13 shuttle buses, and signposted on the A23, to minimise traffic problems in the area Discount rail fares and more frequent services for match ticket-holders travelling to games via Preston Park station. Improved coach park facilities for away fans Low-level floodlighting to avoid interference with neighbouring homes Mr Perry called on fans to make sacrifices to ensure the club's stay at Withdean did not bring gridlock to local roads. He said: "We don't want to bring any traffic into the Withdean area whatsoever, and we've seen and heard from a lot of you that you are willing to cooperate in that regard." "If you want the Albion to come home to Brighton, that's the one concession you've got to be prepared to make." Mr Perry added that, as well as Sussex County Cricket Club, the Albion had "other very serious partners" interested in becoming involved in longer-term plans to house the club at a new multi-sports complex. And he hinted that Falmer and Waterhall were now the front-runners for the proposed permanent home over Coral's Greyhound Stadium and Shoreham Harbour.

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