A DATE has been set for a meeting which will aim to thrash out a long-term future for two of Harrogate's sports clubs.

Harrogate Rugby Club is facing oblivion in the wake of Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's decision to rule out a new ground between the town's Jennyfield estate and the village of Killinghall.

Mr Prescott's office decided against an out-of-town scheme and to block any bid for housing at the old ground on Harrogate's Claro Road - even though the club had already done a deal with a developer on the understanding it would vacate the current pitches within ten years.

Meanwhile, Harrogate Town Football Club is on the brink of a berth in the new-look Conference North league - but only if it can build a bigger stadium.

There have been suggestions that both clubs could link up to build a single arena.

However, with out-of-town locations no longer in the equation and both clubs insisting their current grounds are too small, the options are limited.

But Councillor Mike Gardner, leader of Harrogate Borough Council, said he hoped that a meeting on Wednesday, March 24, would result in progress.

"We are very keen for both sports to prosper," he said. "I'm hopeful that, now we have both clubs interested in working together, we will finally see some positive action."