Salford Council Conservative leader says stadium is “burning” cash but leaders say there is clear vision for venue’s future

Salford council is facing calls to sell the CorpAcq Stadium – amid claims it is ‘burning’ cash – and spend the money on fixing roads instead. The stadium company, CosCos, is controlled by the town hall after it completed a £7.7m deal with former co-owners Peel in late 2024.

It is home to rugby union club Sale Sharks as well as Salford’s phoenix rugby league team. The Conservative opposition group at Salford council said ownership of the stadium is costing £1.6m a year, according to the council’s finance department.

The Tories are calling for the council to begin the process of selling the ground and to put £1.6m a year towards a ringfenced fund to fix roads and pavements across the city.

The demand has been submitted as an amendment to the council’s budget which is being discussed at a meeting on February 25.

Coun Bob Clarke, leader of Salford Conservative group, said: “It’s outrageous, we couldn’t believe it when we saw the figures.

“I think the mayor had good intentions and wanted to do something for everybody, but if it’s burning through the best part of £1.6m a year, that’s not credible, especially when you ask for more money from the residents [through council tax] and they see this being burned.

“It’s an extra £6,500 a month per ward that we could spend on making things better for everybody, not just the few people that use the stadium. It doesn’t make sense, it’s £1.6m, it’s over £100,000 a month gone.”

A Salford Labour spokesperson defended the party’s move to take full ownership of the ground and surrounding land, which is also known as the Salford Community Stadium.

They said: “Salford Labour was re-elected in 2024 on a manifesto commitment to deliver a rugby strategy for the whole city. Taking full control of Salford Community Stadium is a key part of this vision, helping ensure that professional clubs from both codes continue to play in Salford.

“The stadium was also a key venue for the Women’s Rugby World Cup last year, and as part of our ownership we will continue to explore opportunities to use the stadium for other prestige events.

“The stadium also provides the foundation for improving the surrounding facilities to support greater grassroots participation in rugby. This will enable residents across the city to benefit from the sporting, social, health and economic advantages the sport brings.”

During the budget meeting next week councillors will also vote on proposals to increase council tax in Salford by 4.99 per cent, adding more than £100 to annual bills for people living in band D properties.

This is part of the council’s revenue budget used to pay for services across the city.

The Conservative group leader said he believes residents will be unhappy at how much the stadium is costing.

He added: “I’m sympathetic to the place the council is in with money after 14 years of cuts which I think went on too long, I was never a fan of it and I do sympathise, but when you see £1.6m a year being wasted something has to be done.

“When people find out what the stadium is losing they’ll be upset.”

When Salford council bought the stadium at the end of 2024, it was expected that land around the ground would be sold for development to finance the purchase.

The move was also seen as a lifeline for former rugby league club Salford Red Devils, but the club ended up being liquidated in 2025 over unpaid debts, ending 152 years of history.

Salford’s phoenix rugby league club continue to play at the stadium, but chief executive Ryan Brierley said in January that there is currently no deal in place with the council and that talks were ongoing.

The Conservative group amendment being debated next week states: ‘Salford City Council owns Salford Community Stadium, which continues to operate at a significant ongoing cost to our residents.

‘The stadium is currently estimated to make a loss of approximately £1.2 million, in addition to approximately £420,000 per year in lost interest on the amount of debt in relation to the stadium, resulting in a total annual cost to the Council of approximately £1.62 million.

‘This represents a substantial recurring financial burden at a time when residents face a 4.99pc increase in council tax, and when the council faces ongoing financial pressures.’

The amendment adds that the council could only sell the stadium in 2028 due to ‘existing financial and contractual arrangements’ in place, but called preparations to sell the ground to ‘begin immediately’.

King Charles III has broken his silence regarding the arrest of his brother, the former Prince Andrew, on Thursday.

Andrew was arrested over allegations of misconduct in public office.

King Charles III Reiterates Support for Police Probe

According to the live updates of NBC News, King Charles released a statement expressing “deepest concern” over the allegations against his brother.

“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” the King said in his statement. “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.”

Charles emphasized, “In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”

“As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter,” he said in conclusion. “Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrested

On what is his 66th birthday, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested just after 8 a.m. on Thursday in Sandringham.

The former prince is being accused of sharing confidential information with disgraced pedophile Jeffrey Epstein while he was a trade envoy, according to The Guardian.

He has also been the subject of intense scrutiny over the years, particularly over allegations that he had sexual relations with young, underaged women he met through Epstein.

The Thames Valley police released a statement on the arrest but refused to name Andrew in compliance with UK law.

“We have today (19/2) arrested a man in his 60s from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk,” the police said in the statement. “The man remains in police custody at this time.”

The whereabouts of the former prince have not been made public as of press time.

Rising Florida rapper Lil Poppa, known for his raw storytelling and emotional lyrics about street life, loss and resilience, has died at age 25. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office in Georgia confirmed the death of Janarious Mykel Wheeler — the artist’s real name — on Wednesday, Feb. 18, after he was pronounced dead around 11:23 a.m. ET.

The medical examiner told multiple outlets, including TMZ, News4Jax and Newsweek, that Wheeler’s manner and cause of death remain pending investigation. No official details have been released, and authorities have emphasized that speculation should be avoided until autopsy and toxicology results are complete, a process that could take weeks.

The news shocked fans and the hip-hop community, coming just days after Lil Poppa released his latest single, “Out of Town Bae,” on Feb. 13. The track, accompanied by an official music video, showcased his signature blend of melodic flows and introspective verses, drawing streams across platforms.

Lil Poppa, born in Jacksonville, began rapping at age 7, honing his craft amid personal hardships. He gained wider recognition in the late 2010s with his “Under Investigation” mixtape series, including projects like “Almost Normal” and “Evergreen Wildchild 2.” His 2018 track “Purple Hearts” went viral, inspired by surviving a real-life drive-by shooting that left lasting scars.

In 2022, he signed with Yo Gotti’s CMG label, releasing “Heavy Is the Head” and “Under Investigation 3.” Hits like “Love & War,” “Mind Over Matter” and “Happy Tears” highlighted his ability to fuse pain with hope, often reflecting on grief, mental health and loyalty.

Lil Poppa openly discussed his battle with sickle cell anemia in interviews and his documentary “Blessed, I Guess,” drawing attention to the chronic illness that disproportionately affects certain communities. While some online speculation has linked his death to complications from the condition or other factors, including unverified rumors of suicide or overdose, no evidence supports these claims. Fans and observers have urged patience for official findings.

Tributes poured in across social media. One X user reflected on the loss in connection to broader hip-hop themes, while others expressed disbelief and sorrow. “Lil Poppa death got me sooo guh,” one fan posted. Jacksonville media outlets reported local mourning, with friends calling him “a star” for his tireless work ethic and candid lyrics.

“He was a star,” a First Coast News report quoted those close to him. “His music touched so many because it was real.”

Lil Poppa had upcoming performances scheduled, including a March show at The Fillmore in New Orleans, adding to the sense of tragedy.

The hip-hop world has lost several young talents in recent years, underscoring ongoing challenges like mental health, violence and health disparities. Lil Poppa’s story — from Jacksonville streets to label success — inspired many facing similar struggles.

His family and CMG have not issued public statements. Fans are encouraged to stream his catalog to honor his legacy.

As investigations continue, the music community remembers Lil Poppa as an authentic voice who turned pain into powerful art. Rest in peace.