A LEADING Labour councillor has suggested a new home for Brighton and Hove Albion at a former rubbish tip.

Mike Middleton, who chairs the leisure committee, wants the council to investigate the club playing at the top end of Sheepcote Valley. The site was once used as a rubbish tip but has since been grassed over. Two years ago it was used for BMX bike championships. But Albion say they have already considered and rejected the site. It is owned by the council and has a large car park with access from Wilson Avenue. Coun Middleton said: "It could provide a short term or long-term solution to Albion's problems." Drawbacks include the fact that the old Brighton Council promised that Sheepcote Valley would remain green once tipping finished. Albion have submitted a planning application for temporary use of council-owned Withdean Stadium. But Albion director Martin Perry said: "There were 16 possible sites and Sheepcote was one of them, but we have narrowed it down to four. We can't do a detailed study on each one. "Sheepcote was ruled out because very substantial sums have been spent on refurbishing the whole area. "It also has poor access by road and there is no rail link. The new ground has got to have good public transport."

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