DOUBT, confusion and uncertainty surround plans for a stadium for Cornwall after officials revealed Truro City Football Club (TCFC) could not commit to being involved.

Cornwall Council announced that TCFC is "not currently in a position to commit to the project" to build a stadium at Langarth, near Threemilestone.

TCFC chairman Kevin Heaney claimed the club was still "fully engaged" with the project but waiting to sign a major deal to develop the club's current home at Treyew Road.

However he refused to name the "retail development" company involved and the ground does not have planning permission for such a development.

The news has caused dismay and extreme concern among others involved in the project, including the Cornish Pirates, which faces fresh questions over where they will play if promoted to the Premiership.

Dickie Evans, Cornish Pirates' chairman, said: "I am dismayed that factors outside our control mean that the agreed business plan cannot now be achieved, compounded by the news that the stadium will not be delivered for next season.

"Personally I am distraught and I feel extremely sad that so many good people who have put in so much effort have to handle this news."

Outline planning permission was granted last month for the stadium on land to be donated by developers Inox.

But the business case setting out who would pay for the stadium has never been revealed.

Mr Evans said he and his staff and players were now forced "to review options for the future of the Cornish Pirates".

The Stadium for Cornwall campaign group said the situation was now "unclear" and called on all parties to work together.

Chairman Peter Marks said: "I would like to thank our thousands of supporters for their continued encouragement and promise to continue the campaign, on their behalf, for a new stadium with all the passion, energy and guile we can muster."

Cornwall Council announced in a statement: "Unfortunately TCFC are not currently in a position to commit to the project but discussions continue and the impact on the business plan is being considered.

Technicality

"It is hoped that the position of the club will be clarified in the next few months. The timetable for completion has been extended in order to ensure that the viability of the project is thoroughly reviewed."

Mr Heaney insisted the withdrawal was temporary and "a technical issue".

He said: "We are waiting to sign a contract for a development of our own site which we hope to have signed before Christmas.

"This will allow us then to sign up for the stadium. We want to make sure we are financially secure for the future."

Mr Heaney said the deal for Treyew Road involved a major retail developer.

But the club is still facing a winding up order from HM Revenue and Customs, to be heard next month.

Truro City Council and Kenwyn Parish Council have written to Minister Eric Pickles requesting he quash the outline planning permission for the stadium granted by Cornwall Council last month.