WARRINGTON’s two MPs have welcomed a decision by the North West Development Agency to honour funding for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup – which could see tournaments played in the town.
Games look set to be played throughout the North West – including the Halliwell Jones Stadium – and it is expected 
that the tournament will generate £24 million for the region.
An All Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group received confirmation that the Warrington-based NWDA will honour a £1 million funding pledge to support the event.
The money was at risk following a Government decision to abolish the NWDA according to the group.
A spokesperson for the group said: “Since the announcement that Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) are to be abolished, the Government instructed these public bodies to reduce spending, including invoking any break clauses in contracts. This lead to the NWDA threatening to withdraw previously agreed funding, putting games in the region in jeopardy.”
Now following a campaign by the group – backed by Warrington South MP David Mowat (Conservative) and Warrington North MP Helen Jones (Labour) – funding has been approved.
Mr Mowat has repeatedly pushed both the Government and the NWDA and called on colleagues to “get their act together” and ensure the tournament was successful.
He said: “The Government committed itself to ensuring the successful delivery of the World Cup, but my concern has always been that those of us in Warrington might suffer indirectly because of cuts to other bodies.
“Independent studies have shown that the tournament will generate around £24 million for the region so it always seemed foolish to break an agreement of this scale. The NWDA have made the right choice, and I am looking forward to seeing the Halliwell Jones Stadium play host to some outstanding rugby.”
Ms Jones said: “I am pleased that the RDA has given me assurances that they will honour their funding pledges to help deliver the Rugby League World Cup in 2013.
“I’ve been pushing the Government and the RDA since last autumn to back the tournament and I will continue to make sure that Warrington sees the benefits of having the competition in the North West.”
NWDA chairman Robert Hough recently wrote to Ms Jones to confirm that following a review the organisation will continue its funding of the tournament in conjunction with the Rugby Football League.
World Cup funding to be honoured
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
