Support was escalating today for a £7 million stand at Valley Parade and future redevelopment of the stadium.

It follows a row last month when a Labour planning chief and three of his colleagues failed to support a planning application for the stand.

It was also made clear by some Labour councillors that they did not want any further developments at the stadium.

The planning application was passed, however, when Tory and Liberal Democrat councillors supported it.

Planning sub-committee chairman Councillor Syd Collard said the new stand would be a monstrosity and affect people living in nearby houses.

Now Labour councillor John Ryan, chairman of Bradford North Area Committee - formerly Bradford North Area Panel - says expansion is vital to keep the Bantams in the Premier league.

Coun Ryan - whose committee covers Valley Parade - has written to Bradford City Chairman Geoffrey Richmond saying there are members of the Council's Labour group who are backing the Premier League club.

The row has also taken a fresh twist because Labour group whips will meet tomorrow after being asked by a Labour member of the Council's new Executive, Councillor Jim O'Neill, for an investigation into 82-year-old Councillor Collard's actions. The Whips will decide if any action is necessary.

The support from Coun Ryan comes as David Pendleton, editor of the fans' magazine, canvasses the views of all 90 councillors on the redevelopment of the stadium.

He said so far 30 councillors had been contacted and all were in favour.

Mr Pendleton said people had also put their views on other issues including transport, and they would be taken into consideration.

Mr Richmond said today he was pleased with the letter from Coun Ryan and it would be comforting to the board.

He said in spite of the lack of support from Labour planning committee members, they knew there was other support within the group and minority parties.

The £7 million stand will allow the club to increase the ground's capacity from 18,000 to 25,000.

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