THE Rovers Trust have put in a bid to list Ewood Park as a ‘community asset’ to stop the ground being sold off for other purposes without a fight.

If successful, it means the fans group must be notified if the stadium is offered for sale.

They would then have six months to put together their own bid to purchase the historic ground.

News of the application to Blackburn with Darwen council for the protected status as an Asset of Community Value’ came as the borough’s executive board debated the new legislation creating the concept.

The bid has been backed by Blackburn MP Jack Straw and borough Tory Group leader Mike Lee.

If the trust is successful it would be the second supporters group to achieve the status under the government’s 2011 Localism Act.

Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium was granted protection last month and Liverpool and Manchester United fans are seeking the same for Anfield and Old Trafford.

Rovers Trust executive officer Paul Brooking said: “Rovers Trust has also submitted a nomination to Blackburn with Darwen Council to have Ewood Park listed as an ‘Asset of Community Value’.

“If successful the listing will require the owners to inform the council if the ground is to be offered for sale.

“Under the status there is a legal obligation to allow Rovers Trust a six month period in which to prepare and submit a bid to purchase Ewood. There is no obligation for the owners to accept such a bid but this listing does provide the Trust with time to enter the process.

“A successful listing will provide a significant opportunity for the local community to purchase and take control of Ewood Park should it ever be offered for sale by the owners.”

Mr Straw, an Ewood Park regular, said: “This seems to be a good idea. It’s not about the current owners but about the strange things that have happened elsewhere when new people buy football clubs.”

Coun Lee said: “I would support this application. It seems a sensible idea.”

A club spokesman said: "It is something that we are aware of and we are handling it with our solicitors."

Ewood councilor and borough regeneration boss Maureen Bateson said: “I can confirm the council has received an application from this community group.

“As the application is still going through the process, I feel it would be inappropriate to comment further.”