PRESTON North End manager David Moyes has joined the bitter dispute between PNE and Preston Borough Council over the redevelopment of Deepdale, insisting the plans must go ahead.

The manager's statement comes as the club and council prepare to lock horns at a public meeting to discuss the proposals, which would complete the transformation of the old PNE ground into a 30,000-seater super stadium.

Councillors have already deferred making a decision on the plans until the club is seen to be alleviating the traffic problems caused by rising matchday attendances.

This has prompted reaction from club chairman Bryan Gray and chief executive Tony Scholes.

Both have accused the council of trying to cash in on the success of North End, who are currently top of Division Two. Mr Moyes told the Citizen: "It is very important to the success of the club that we complete the redevelopment of the stadium.

"Two sides of the ground already look very good. To have all four sides completed would be great.

"We need to continue to do well on the pitch, so we can attract the crowds to fill the stadium. It has to be a priority to finish building the ground."

His view is shared by striker Jon Macken, whose impressive scoring record has helped boost attendances.

He said: "This whole town is buzzing and a completed stadium would look fantastic."

In the plans deferred by the council, PNE promised to look at the traffic problems once attendances topped 18,000. Councillors claimed that residents were already suffering, even though the average North End gate is 12,000.

They want extra parking to be made available and park and ride facilities introduced to alleviate congestion.

A spokesman for the council said a date for the public meeting had not yet been set.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.