EAST Lancashire MPs have united across party lines to press the government to make sure that the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002 is a real boost to the North West as a whole.

The Ribble Valley Tory wants the government to make sure that Manchester has a world-class stadium for the event.

And Burnley Labour MP, Peter Pike, wants action to improve transport links so all can visit the events and make full use of the sports facilities it will spin off.

The two MPs tackled Heritage Minister, Iain Sproat, on the issue in the Commons.

Mr Evans told him there would be a "phenomenal number of visitors to the North West when the games are held in Manchester in 2002."

He went on: "To have a world-class games, Manchester will need a world class stadium.

"Will you give a commitment today that the athletes, the phenomenal number of visitors and the people of the North West will not be let down in 2002 by the facilities on offer during the Commonwealth Games?"

Mr Sproat replied: "I am sure that visitors and athletes will not be let down.

"The Sports Council is looking at the project for the national stadium, which may or may not be the stadium for the Commonwealth Games.

"If it is not - it is a big 'if' because the Sports Council has not made up its mind between Manchester and Wembley - I am sure that any other stadium will be absolutely fitting for the Commonwealth Games."

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