Bees plan to sell off ground.

CASH-strapped Birmingham & Solihull Rugby Club said it was vital plans to sell off its pitches and merge with Solihull Moors Football Club are given the goahead at a meeting tonight.

The club said the move, which could generate up to pounds 8 million in revenue, was imperative for it to improve in the future. The plans to sell off two pitches to make way for a housing estate will be discussed at a Solihull Council meeting tonight.

Brian Marshall, Bees chairman, said the plans were to sell the Sharmans Cross Road ground to Oakmoor Estates, which plans to build 87 properties on the land.

Mr Marshall said the land is valued at pounds 8 million but he accepts in the prevailing economic circumstances that figure may be slightly lower. Council officials will also have to make a decision on a separate application to improve facilities at Damson Park - the Moors' current home ground.

The application relating to the new properties has been recommended for refusal because the development fails to make any affordable housing provision.

Last season a 20 per cent wage cut was introduced across the board.

Should the council give the move the go-ahead the rugby club will donate pounds 3.354 million to the Solihull Sporting Partnership Community Foundation (SSPCF).

Angry residents have formed the opposing Sharmans Cross Action Group and chairman Pat Montague is worried that the move could spell disaster for both the homeowners and the club.

Among those backing the move are Sport England, Stoke City chairman and FA councillor Peter Coates, and North Midlands RFU representative Stuart Potts.