Last updated 23:45, Monday, 17 March 2008

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WHITEHAVEN RL has scrapped the free passes and complimentary tickets traditionally handed out by the club, amid a major review of income and expenditure.

A club statement declared it was “patently unfair” that while most fans, some with families, were paying hard-earned money to watch Haven, others were watching for free.

This practice will end with immediate effect,” added the statement.

Ex-Haven players have traditionally been able to claim free passes, and it is believed  around 60 people are currently eligible for free admission to home games.

But if they wish to watch Haven face Halifax on Sunday (3pm), they must pay at the turnstiles.

The club’s move to end this perk, which will save several thousand pounds a year, is likely to be controversial with some who have enjoyed the benefit for years.

But with Haven facing a major shortfall for 2006 and last year, the new board is looking to boost income in any way possible.

Chairman Gordon Grace said: "At a time when the club is financially vulnerable, I appeal to everyone who has the best interests of Whitehaven RLFC at heart to come along and support us.

"To run the club, meet overheads, pay wages, buy new players and so on, we need income. The most important aspect of that income is gate receipts."

Haven have already qualified for the last-16 stage of the Northern Rail Cup, but coach  Paul Crarey still plans to field a strong side against Halifax, who beat his team 48-16 at The Shay last month.

Centre Saia Makisi is expected to feature after missing last weekend’s win over Leigh Miners Rangers with a calf strain.

Crarey is hoping to attract a big Super League club in the Challenge Cup fourth round draw tonight (Thursday), which can be heard on Radio Five Live at 7.25pm.

Meanwhile, stalled talks to bring the Recreation Ground up to top-flight standard are back on.

And is believed the £500,000 promised by BNFL for the regeneration of the Pow Beck area, with the Recre at its centre, is still on the table.

Grace is cautiously optimistic over the project's future after reopening negotiations.

"It's all systems go," he said."I've spoken to everyone involved in ground improvements and they are all positive.

Things are positive for future development. We are moving forward quite clearly. But for anything to happen, everyone has to be flexible.

"We need a modern stadium, fit for purpose, with good facilities."

Grace has met representatives of Haven’s landlords, the Miners Welfare, development company West Lakes Renaissance, who hold the purse strings to the half-million bounty, and major club sponsors Washington, in addition to Copeland Council.

Last week’s Pride of Five £100 winners were C Pears, of Keekle Grove, Cleator Moor, with ticket number 1,019; A Rourke, of Calder Avenue, The Valley, 2,316; J Burns, Scafell Close, Mirehouse, 2,467; T Hewer, Hawthorn Close, Distington, 1,613; A Rothery, Osprey Gardens, Moresby Parks, 2,459.