Published at 10:40, Saturday, 28 April 2012

AN MP has attacked government chiefs after west Cumbria lost the chance to host matches for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup due to plans for a new £5.5 million stadium stalling.

Copeland has withdrawn as a host venue for the tournament after talks over access to a proposed new stadium in Whitehaven collapsed.

Copeland MP Jamie Reed has called the situation a “humiliating shambles” and has warned Copeland and Cumbria County Council they are in danger of squandering the chance of an economic renaissance in on the back of the £2bn Britain’s Energy Coast plan.

He said: “Britain’s Energy Coast is the best hope we’ve got of delivering on our ambitions for west Cumbria. Those in local government need to be honest about what they can achieve.

“There’s no place for amateurism in the development of west Cumbria.

“Those not up to it should get out of the way and leave it to those who know how to do it.

“I think the stadium will happen, but we are going to miss the World Cup which would have brought real recognition and investment to the area.

“The chance has been squandered.”

The group behind proposals for the Pow Beck scheme pulled the plug on the project in its current form after talks over access to the proposed site broke down.

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk