BUSINESSES are being urged to back Warrington’s 2013 Rugby League World Cup bid.

The call from Warrington Borough Council, Warrington Wolves and Marketing Cheshire follows a forecast that showed the town could benefit by £2.3 million from hosting the tournament.

The proposal is that three group games would take place at The Halliwell Jones Stadium and that by 2013 the ground will have increased its capacity to between 14,500 and 15,000 spectators.

The stadium includes a wide range of community, health, education and sporting facilities and in the past has hosted international rugby, top level football, concerts and community events.

Companies from Warrington and throughout Cheshire are invited to attend a business breakfast on September 26 at the stadium.

Council leader Terry O’Neill said: “The backing of businesses could really strengthen the town’s bid as the deadline for a final decision on whether or not Warrington will be a host town approaches.

“We hope that lots of businesses in Warrington and Cheshire will recognise this is the perfect opportunity for them to get behind our bid. The benefits of the tournament coming to Warrington would be tremendous.”