SUPPORTERS of Leigh's proposed 'super stadium' got the chance to put their plans to Labour sports supremo Tessa Jowell this week.

Mrs Jowell, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport made a flying visit to the town to open Leigh Cricket Club's new pavilion on Beech Walk.

During the visit the subject of a proposed £20 million state-of-the-art sports stadium complex and education centre -- on what would have been the Xanadu site -- was discussed with leading politicians and local government officers including MP Andy Burnham, Cllr Tom Sherratt and Wigan Council chief executive Steve Jones.

If the Marshall Street site scheme gets sufficient funding and planning approval, it is likely the sports complex would be shared by Leigh Centurions, Leigh RMI, Leigh East and Leigh Harriers.

The development depends on the sale of Hilton Park, adjoining council-owned land, education grants, sports council and lottery funding.

Travelling back

Mrs Jowell said: "I am travelling back on the train with Andy (Burnham) for two and a half hours and I am sure he will tell me all about the plans."

She added: "It is great to see lottery money now getting through to places like Leigh -- and not before time.

"These excellent new facilities I've opened will give local children the chance to play tennis and cricket in good surroundings, but it's just the start.

"We will soon see lottery money going into new sports facilities at schools across Leigh, evidence of the government's on-going commitment to investing in sport at its grass roots."

Mrs Jowell cut the ribbon at the cricket club and watched Leigh pupils playing on the new tennis courts and pitches before talking to them about local sport.

The Secretary of State has been to Leigh once before to support Mr Burnham's campaign to become an MP.

She described Mr Burnham as her link with the North West. "Andy used to work for me. Working with me was his first job in politics. He is a breath of fresh air and has a new approach to politics."

Turn to P2 From P1

Mr Burnham said: "I last played at Leigh Cricket Club in 1986 for the Bolton Association so it's a proud moment for me to welcome my old boss here for the official opening.

"These facilities are first class and the club is working hard to make them available to local children. But Leigh needs more facilities of this kind and I will keep working to see that we get them."

Pupils of Golborne High School and headteacher Steve Turner were also introduced to Mrs Jowell.

A grand total of £700,000 has been pumped into improving the Leigh Cricket, Tennis and Bowling Club which has a 825 strong membership, of which 350 are playing members.

New facilities include all-weather tennis courts, new dressing rooms, shower areas and disabled facilities.

The money was raised from a lottery grant from Sport England, a loan from the Lawn Tennis Association and fund-raising from club members.

Around £75,000 has also been spent refurbishing the members bar in a separate development to the lottery funded-work.