Express & Star

Steve Jenkins makes a new point

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Millionaire Walsall fan Steve Jenkins today urged the borough's councillors to follow the example of Rotherham by buying the Banks's Stadium.

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Millionaire Walsall fan Steve Jenkins today urged the borough's councillors to follow the example of Rotherham by buying the Banks's Stadium.

In a letter to fans' websites, the record producer is as determined as ever to see Walsall Council step in to buy the freehold.

Jenkins has led the calls for the council to purchase the land, which has been put up for sale by the Saddlers' current landlords, Suffolk Life, for a fee believed to be around £5million.

But council leader Mike Bird has rejected the calls, although Labour group leader Tim Oliver and top Liberal Democrat Ian Shires have called for talks between the council, the club and selling agents DTZ.

Jenkins' latest letter said: "I read with interest today Rotherham United have been loaned £5million from the Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council towards building a new stadium.

"The football club are working to raise the further £12.3million needed to complete the job.

"Councillor Roger Stone stated, 'the new community stadium is key to the regeneration of Rotherham Town Centre, we have always supported the club and wish to have Rotherham United back playing at home.'

"This is what we have always believed. The town's football club is its flagship. More and more councils are forming partnerships with their football clubs.

"Walsall's stadium should remain secure and owned by the town of Walsall.

"I can assure you that I am as determined as I was five weeks ago."

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