Stadium sharing at Wembley off the programme

Sport England has commented on press reports suggesting Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal football clubs might share the new Wembley stadium.

A spokesperson for the organisation said that Sport England chair, Patrick Carter, had not been in talks with either club about the possibility of ground-sharing.

Such an arrangement, apart from any other considerations, would require planning permission for a number of events in excess of the 26 currently permitted by the local council and this could well not be granted.

Spurs have said that they might be looking to relocate from White Hart Lane if infrastructure improvements are not made in the area. However, Arsenal has received permission to proceed with the construction of a new 60,000-seat stadium not far from their current ground. Details: www.sportengland.org or type Arsenal FC into the search engine on www.leisureopportunities.co.uk