Soccer: New Gunners stadium gets go-ahead

Arsenal's plans for a new stadium have finally been given the go-ahead.

British Transport Secretary Stephen Byers decided not to call in proposals for the Gunners' new 60,000 seat stadium at Ashburton Grove, paving the way for Islington Council to grant planning consent.

Mr Byers has decided a public inquiry was not necessary after the plans were given the thumbs-up by Islington Council and the Mayor of London's support.

Arsenal Director Ken Friar said: "We are delighted Stephen Byers has chosen not to call in our proposal for the stadium at Ashburton Grove, allowing us to remain in the borough of Islington.

"An enormous amount of effort has been put into the scheme by the whole of the project team and we are very excited about the development.

"However, now the real hard work begins with the challenge of building a world class stadium for Arsenal, which will hugely benefit both our club and the local community."