EAST Lancashire MPs Peter Pike and Greg Pope have backed a call for the Government to intervene in the 'farce' of the Wembley Stadium redevelopment project.

Chorley Labour backbencher Lindsay Hoyle has called on Sports Minister Kate Hoey to replace the entire board of Wembley National Stadium Ltd responsible for the controversial and much delayed redevelopment scheme.

Already, Ken Bates, boss of Chelsea FC, has stood down as chairman.

Contrasting the success of the Sidney Olympics in Australia, Mr Hoyle, son of former Nelson and Colne MP Doug Hoyle, said the current board were clearly unable to manage the project.

Now Burnley's Peter Pike and Hyndburn's Greg Pope have weighed in behind him. Mr Pike said:"Clearly the Government must intervene to resolve the Wembley fiasco.

"I was the first MP to raise the problems and inadequacies of Wembley as a national stadium in the Commons in 1988 after Burnley's problems with the play-offs.

"I think is has got beyond refurbishment and we need a new stadium.

"But this fiasco has gone on for so long that Ms Hoey and her boss, Culture Secretary Chris Smith, must put pressure on to sort this out.

"As the members of the board clearly had a hand in previous presentation and projects, there is a case to replace them.

"I dread to think what would have happened had England won their bid to stage the 2006 World Cup. We need a proper national soccer stadium with good transport links fit for the 21st Century."

Government Whip Mr Pope, said:"Every football fan knows that Wembley is the home of football. My colleagues are absolutely right and something must be done to resolve this fiasco. I am sure that Kate Hoey will take action to put things right."