REDS’ shareholders are calling for an Extraordinary General Meeting to address concerns over the shared stadium plans for Workington.

Allerdale council has lodged plans to bulldoze Borough Park to make way for a £25m venue to host the town’s football and rugby league teams.

But shareholders including Joe Sandwith, who is also an Allerdale councillor, is seeking reassurances from the board that they will be consulted before any decisions are taken.

In an email written on behalf of himself and three fellow of shareholders, Mr Sandwith said: “I wish to call an emergency general meeting to fully discuss Borough Park and the new shared stadium.

“We would like assurances that another meeting will take place before any decisions are taken or anything signed about Workington Reds moving from our current home ground.

“It is far beyond time when the shareholders were informed of the current situation, instead of being informed by the local newspaper.”

Between them, they own more 10 per cent of the shares although it is understood that 5 per cent is enough to call an EGM.

The board has been asked to respond within 48hrs – which will be Sunday afternoon – or the meeting will be triggered.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Mr Sandwith shareholders were being “treated like mushrooms” – kept in the dark.

Workington Reds’ chairman John Mackay declined to comment at this stage.

The council learned at the end of last month that they will host games for the Rugby League World Cup 2021, with the creation of the stadium a cornerstone of their bid.

But proposals for an 8,000-capacity community stadium for Workington Reds and Workington Town have divided opinion across Allerdale since the scale of the project was revealed.

Some have praised the district authority for its ambition amid claims an overhaul of the town’s rundown sports grounds is long overdue.

It has been claimed the project will raise the town’s profile, bring revenue into the area and encourage the next generation of sporting stars.

But opposition councillors have branded it a “white elephant” and a “vanity project”, accusing council chiefs of “railroading” the plans through and “jumping the gun”.

They have also described the venture as “risky”.