Morfa News - 11th October 2003

WHITE ROCK DEBATE ROLLS ON

South Wales Evening Post - Wednesday October 15 2003

SUGGESTIONS of an alternative name for Swansea's £25 million stadium have been coming as frequently as goals from Swansea City start striker Lee Trundle's left boot.

Calls have been coming thick and fast to the Post from football and rugby fans.

And in a poll currently running on www.jackarmy.net more than 230 fans have voted in 48 hours on whether they like the choice of the White Rock Stadium announced by the council last week.

They are split equally for and against the name.

Alternative names suggested included Swansea Stadium, Landore Stadium or even the New Vetch although most accepted that as a stadium jointly shared with rugby, it was time to move on.

A public vote on options was suggested with one Swans fan on-line saying "It's our stadium paid for with the public's assets."

Phil Sumbler who runs the web site said "With both sporting sides playing their matches there and the promise of pop concerts and other events being attracted to the city through it, then there is a certainly an argument that maybe the stadium should carry the name of Swansea loud and proud to the rest of the country."

Fans who have rung the Post have given a mixed reaction.

"I think it's a lovely name because White Rock has always been there," said Mary Spears of Heol Hermas in Penlan, Swansea.

John Edgecombe of Heol-y-Cyw, Birchgrove said "I think it's a great name. I am disgusted that middle-aged people don't know the name White Rock as 90 per cent of all copper smelted in Britain in the 1800s came from Swansea."

David Wright of Ffordd Draenen Ddu, West Cross said: "It should be called the White Swan stadium. That would cover both the Whites and the Swans and shows both teams are using the ground together."

Terry Wallington of Clydach said the Stadium should just be called the Welsh stadium.

Trevor Parsell, aged 76, or Park Street in Ammanford suggested The Tawe Stadium because it's located on the banks of the Rover Tawe or the Viaduct Stadium because it's near the Landore viaduct.

But he said: "I think White Rock Stadium is a good solid name as it shows the heritage of that part of town."

Billy Jones, aged 72, of Bartley Terrace, Plasmarl, said his grandfather worked at the copper smelting works and the owner closed it because workers asked for better conditions. "For that reason I think it is disgusting calling the new stadium after the white rock," he said

"That rock is more like a white grave. Swansea men have worked to death on it."

Brian Jones of Brookfield Road, West Cross said: "I think White Elephant stadium would be more appropriate. The name would be a combination of football and council.

"The council is always selling off everything it owns and with the Swans' financial problems, they will probably be doing the same."

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