Plans to expand both the Saints' and Cobblers' grounds have been supported by the Conservative MP for Northampton South, Brian Binley.

Writing in The Saints' match day programme today, the Conservative MP will back plans put forward by the Conservatives on Northampton Borough Council who last month backed the rugby club's expansion plans including building a supermarket near to Franklin's Gardens.

Brian Binley said, "We should never underestimate the importance of having such high-quality sporting teams which add greatly to the town's national and international profile but our borough council seems not to understand. Indeed, they actually seem hell-bent on doing all they can to hinder both the Saints and the Cobblers from fulfilling their ambitious plans for a successful future."

"To put a ring fence around the town centre, and argue no business can exist anywhere else in the town which might harm the wellbeing of the town centre, is not only foolish, it flies in the face of local need. Its crass stupidity baffles me."

6th February 2010