EXCITING plans for a £14 million super stadium in Leigh have taken a major step forward.

Specialist consultants involved in the planning of the showpiece McAlpine Stadium at Huddersfield have been commissioned by Wigan Council to advise on how a rugby, soccer and athletics and community leisure complex could best operate.

The stadium, earmarked for Wigan and Leigh College's Marshall Street site at Pennington, would be a home for Leigh Centurions, Leigh RMI, Leigh East and Leigh Harriers -- plus it would offer community facilities every day of the week.

Delighted Council Leader Lord Peter Smith told the Journal : "The consultations should happen in the next couple of months. We have agreed to fund a survey carried out by those responsible for the McAlpine Stadium.

"It will ask key questions to ascertain how enough income could be generated to support the project and investigate hospitality and corporate facilities."

Lord Smith said he was pleased with progress in the talks between the clubs which had generated huge interest and excitement with the prospect of modern facilities to enhance local sport.

And Leigh MP Andy Burnham, a prime mover in getting the plans off the ground, pledged his "fullest support" to the project.

Mr Burnham said once agreement was reached between all parties it would be his job to ensure planning permission was gained with minimum delay.

"Leigh has fallen foul of the planning system before, I want to ensure it doesn't happen in this case. This would be a massive step forward."