POLITICIANS are backing plans by Worcester City to build a new football stadium and "enabling development" in Warndon.

City councillors felt a Government inspector was so clear-cut in his criticism of the proposals to build the ground together with a B&Q superstore that they had no choice but to reject the club's pleas for further support.

A last-ditch effort by the Labour group to retain the council's original policy was defeated and, although the final draft has yet to be completely agreed, its leader is adamant that a chance has been lost.

"We do think there was a real opportunity that the cabinet missed to provide backing to the club to make the standard it is aiming for," said Coun Adrian Gregson.

"If we were in a position of control we would be very keen to reopen discussions with the club to see if there is anything at all we could do to redress the situation quickly.

"It's only the Labour group that has been providing that level of support and enthusiasm to the club's cause."

Conservative councillors, and cabinet member, Barry Mackenzie-Williams laughed off that suggestion.

He said the club must go through the proper channels so all parties have no qualms with the final development.

"In fairness to everyone concerned, including people like the Spetchley Road Residents' Association, they have got to do it in the proper and right way" he said.

"We are 100 per cent behind the club too but no party is in a position to actually break planning law and that is effectively what they have asked the council to do."

Worcester Liberal Democrats support the relocation of WCFC from its present ground, to a site at Nunnery Way.

"We also accept that an enabling development is likely to be necessary and we are prepared to consider sympathetically any proposal the club may bring forward, provided that it complements rather than dominates the stadium itself," said candidate Edward Hartley.

"Lib Dems remain committed to helping WCFC find a new home, in a stadium of which we can all be proud."