Murphy supports Sports scheme

RUGBY League legend Alex Murphy has thrown his weight behind the proposed Leigh Sports Village.

Murphy, one of the game's greatest players and characters, says the whole town should get behind the project and make sure it gets off the ground.

The Sports Village complex plan includes a 10,000 all-seater stadium for Leigh Centurions and Leigh RMI, top class running track for Leigh Harriers, new home for Leigh East ARL, state-of-the-art facilities for Leigh Sixth Form College as well as a host of other leisure-based facilities. It goes for planning approval by Wigan Council later this month.

The £75 million scheme will make Leigh the envy of many other towns in the area, says Murphy who visited Leigh Library at the weekend to view a model and plans.

"It's an absolutely stunning project," says Murphy who guided Leigh RL to their greatest achievements in his time as player and coach. "The facilities will make Leigh the envy of other towns. Look at St Helens for example. They are Super League champions yet can't get a new ground.

"But apart from the stadium, which looks the business, it's going to bring much needed leisure facilities to Leigh. People are always crying out for facilities like this and now they have the chance to get a scheme like this on their doorsteps.

"Leigh folk should be doing everything in their power to make sure this gets off the ground. There are no losers in this. The town of Leigh will be given a massive shot in the arm. Leigh deserves something of this scale, it's been neglected for far too long.

"Kids in the area should have no excuses that they've nothing to do. I think everyone's tastes will be catered for. It's an exciting time for the town and genuinely hope that it becomes a reality.

"I know that the Council comes in for some criticism from time to time but they've got to be congratulated for the way they've got behind this scheme. They and the other organisations involved deserve success."