SUPERMARKET chain E H Booth and Co is to submit a new application for a store on land owned by Fylde Rugby Club.

The Citizen learned this week that the Preston-based company is not to appeal against Fylde Council's narrow decision to turn down its original application as an appeal would be a costly and time-consuming exercise for both sides.

But Booth's will not back down completely. It plans to replace the existing cramped store in Ansdell which is beset with car parking problems and will submit new plans for a bigger store on one of the club's former pitches. They feel their new application will meet the criteria the council wishes and means the firm can expand its retailing to meet the needs of an expanding local population caused by the massive Cypress Point development on Regent Avenue.

For Fylde Rugby Club the news could not come at a better time. Debt ridden after attempts to plunge headlong into the professional game, the Booths deal is the club's only realistic financial lifeline.

The club has already taken £500,000 from Booth's as an advance payment and if the development is scrubbed the money must be paid back. If the development goes ahead there will be more cash in the kitty as well as a lucrative sponsorship deal for the only rugby team in the Fylde to play in the National leagues.

Fylde also provides facilities for more than 400 adults and children to play rugby. The local authority does not provide one council rugby pitch.