Stadium woe for Pirates

Cornish Pirates chairman Dickie Evans has launched a stinging attack on the Cornwall Council.

Cornwall Council votes against assisting Langarth development

Cornish Pirates chairman Dickie Evans has launched a stinging attack on the Cornwall Council after they voted against assisting with the financing of a new stadium at Langarth. Evans had guaranteed to underwrite the running of the new development so that it would break even for at least 10 years, while he has also funded the playing side to create a squad capable of challenging for the Aviva Premiership. However the council have rejected helping financially, leaving the Pirates in limbo - with the current facilities at Mennaye Field in Penzance below the criteria required for promotion. The club, who are in the RFU Championship final against London Welsh, had already opted against applying for promotion this season after the development was delayed. In a statement issued on the club's official site, Evans said: "Three years ago I guaranteed the breakeven running of the stadium in writing for at least 10 years to the council officers and made sure it's in my personal will.

Thanks

"I also agreed to develop a team of coaches and players capable of winning the Championship to bring premiership rugby to the Duchy. "I have almost kept my side of the bargain - Cornwall Council shame on you. "To Peter Marks and Rod Lyon particularly, along with Bill Rees and the S4C Group, a huge vote of thanks for your massive efforts for trying to turn around an oil tanker bound for the rocks called Cornwall. I also add Nigel Tipple, Rod Coward and Mark Evans to my thanks. "Ian, Harvey, Gavin and the squad - please go out and win the final for all of us so I fully keep my side of the agreement with these people. "Will the last person to leave Cornwall please put the lights out. "Leave the people enjoying this moment of our depression in the dark because they have no plans to improve Cornwall so they won't need lights."