A POLITICAL storm is brewing at Trafford town hall following an article in last week’s Messenger revealing how a major property developer has announced an eleventh hour bid to help redevelop Old Trafford Cricket Club.

Derwent Holdings, which is in talks with Sainsbury’s to open a food store on White City Retail Park, say they want to assist LCCC financially with their redevelopment, although both the club and the council say no such offer has ever been put to them.

It’s led to the leader of Trafford’s Labour group, Cllr David Acton, described the council’s handling of the matter as a ‘complete shambles’, and last night tabled a motion at a full council meeting calling for all options to be looked at again, although it failed to garner enough support.

But deputy leader of the council, Cllr Alex Williams, accused his Labour colleagues of being ‘narrow minded’ and say they were putting the future of international cricket in the north west at risk.

"It’s clear Labour are desperate to block our proposals,” he said. “They’re happy to see cricket leave the borough, remove employment opportunities for local residents and destroy enhanced sporting opportunities for our young people.

“What a narrow minded outlook they have - how they can claim to speak on behalf of the people of Stretford and Old Trafford is beyond belief."

But councillor Acton said: “The Conservative’s support for the Tesco/LCCC proposals are beginning to unravel into one holy mess. The way this whole issue has been handled is a complete shambles, done behind closed doors.

“Without considering other potential options which could provide better value for our residents is absolute madness and very bad practice,” he added.

Labour’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Stretford and Urmston, Kate Green, was also critical of the council’s handling of the matter. “For months, Tory councillors have been telling us that a new Tesco is the only show in town. But now it seems the council’s known all along about plans to develop a new supermarket at White City.

“People will be asking why the council’s said nothing about this alternative proposal, and why the Tesco scheme is being rushed through. The situation's turning into a dog’s breakfast and it’s getting murkier by the day,” she added.

But leader of the councillor, Matt Colledge, accused LLabour of using ‘delaying’ tactics.

“It’s scandalous Labour are seeking to scupper major investment worth multi millions. To now call for a halt in proceedings for more consultation is just a delaying tactic which would have the effect of ruining the proposals.

“I am not prepared to see major investment, job creation plus better sporting and academic ability in the area be derailed in this manner.”