THE City Council was today called upon to unite behind the Birmingham City casino bid which will deliver an international quality sports stadium at the Wheels site.
Labour leader Sir Albert Bore issued his rallying call to Conservative and Liberal Democrat cabinet members who meet today to decide which proposal to back.
Sir Albert also called for an end to mud-slinging between the rival Birmingham City and NEC back-ers, which he claimed has been damaging for Birmingham.
He said: "This public debate has again undermined Birmingham's credibility. If we continue this debate in the acrimonious way in which it has been conducted so far, then the loser will be Birmingham."
The opposition leader said the aim is for Birmingham to get a sports stadium and Olympic size swimming pool which will enable it to host a future Commonwealth Games, major outdoor athletics championships and host Olympic athletes in the run up to the 2012 games.
"That is why the Birmingham City Football Club proposals, at least in respect of the stadium and sports village, should be promoted by us all," said Sir Albert.
"It is in Birmingham's interests as a city, it is in the interests of the people of Birmingham and local communities who would witness the transformation and regeneration of a deprived inner-city area.
"It is in the interests of those who would be looking for jobs over the next 10 years and more. So why are we arguing among ourselves?"
But he added that if the NEC could be proven to provide the same sports facility at the Wheels site and no cost to the council taxpayer, as has been hinted, then the figures needed to be made public.
"The city council can then take a united decision, confident that the whole city and the region will be behind that decision," he added. "That is the only way we will win the prize that is out there for the taking."
