A PRIVATE briefing on the new Community Stadium for York as been branded disappointing by councillors who said it focused only on the row with York City Knights boss John Guildford, and ignored the financial situation.

Both independent councillor Mark Warters on City of York Council and Conservative group leader Chris Steward have criticised the session, held last week.

Cllr Steward said: "It was more about the council trying to say why they have done everything right rather than trying to solve any problems."

Leaders from the Liberal Democrat, Conservative, Green and Independent Labour groups, along with independent members, have now called for better cross-party involvement in the project; and for mediators to be brought in to prevent further public expense - something the council say is already going on through the Rugby Football League.

Chief executive Kersten England said: “The council remains committed to the success of professional rugby league in York and the use of the new community stadium for both rugby league and football.

“All decisions on the community stadium have been taken appropriately and members have been briefed on numerous occasions. Members have said that they want to be more involved from this point, which we will seek to facilitate within the legal parameters we must operate.

“The purpose of last week's briefing was made clear to members in advance and this was to update members on the project and provide background information relating to the decision taken to withdraw from negotiations with Mr Guildford."