The shadow sports minister believes a new stadium for Brighton and Hove Albion would play a crucial role in Conservative policy.

Tory MP Hugh Robertson met the club's chairman Dick Knight and chief executive Martin Perry yesterday at the Withdean ground.

Flanked by the three Tory election candidates for the city, David Logan, Mike Weatherley and Nicholas Boles, Mr Robertson said a future Conservative government would strengthen the links between sports clubs and schools.

A new stadium would be vital if this policy were to be implemented in Brighton and Hove, Mr Robertson said.

He said: "Only about a third of schoolchildren get access to two hours of quality PE lessons each week.

"At the moment teachers struggle to help out with sports lessons because they have so much else to do so we believe local sports clubs should get involved and help out.

"To do this we will get rid of all those sporting quangos that distribute funding at the moment and give money straight from central government to sports governing bodies like the FA, RFU or England and Wales Cricket Board.

"If this is to work in Brighton then they will need a new stadium and I believe Falmer is the only place for it."

Supporters of the Seagulls are still waiting for a decision from the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott on an application for a 23,000-seat community stadium at Falmer.

Mr Robertson, a Chelsea fan who describes himself as a "sports nut", wants a decision before the end of the football season.

He said: "John Prescott must make a swift decision as soon as the planning inspector reports on the re-opened inquiry and I shall be pressing him for one in favour of Falmer.

"This great club and its fans must end the season knowing what the future is. We cannot have any more fudge from John Prescott."

Mr Robertson praised the club's community programme and work with children as he visited the Study Support Centre at Withdean.

He added: "Football clubs have a major role in their community and provide role models for our youngsters.

"Brighton and Hove Albion do this in a quite superb manner and deserve the fullest praise."

Mr Weatherley, prospective Conservative MP for Brighton Pavilion, which covers the Withdean area, also supports Falmer as the best site for the stadium.

He said: "Falmer is the right choice for the whole city.

"I understand it will affect the people living in the village but what about the people here in Withdean?

"They have to endure disruption every match day and the area round here is totally unsuitable."

Mr Boles, prospective candidate for Hove and Portslade, said: "We need to be able to play West Ham at home and win without feeling slightly ashamed of the surroundings."

Albion fans have raised £250,000 towards the club's Alive and Kicking Appeal to keep the club going until the decision is announced.