Bradford Bulls are locked in crisis talks with Council chief Ian Stewart about their long-term lease for Odsal Stadium following the collapse of a £60 million redevelopment scheme.

It is understood the talks involve the capitalisation of the lease which has 19 years to run and whether the proceeds could be used to give the world and Super League champions a better home.

The Council's executive committee yesterday put on ice plans to set aside £666,000 for essential health and safety work at the ground. They had sparked claims by Bulls chairman Chris Caisley that the stadium is being left to rot.

Assistant chief executive David Kennedy told the committee that the Council's only legal obligations at Odsal are to carry out the necessary health and safety work.

The Committee agreed a report on the talks between Mr Caisley and Council chief executive Mr Stewart should go to the July 9 executive committee meeting .

Mr Kennedy said the timescale is important as tenders for the health and safety work have to go out on July 19 if it is to proceed.

Council leader and committee chairman Councillor Margaret Eaton said: "None of us expected to be in the position we find ourselves in today. Discussions are taking place and we want to defer this until they have progressed."

Leader of the Labour group Councillor Ian Greenwood said: "The Bulls are a great credit and advert for the city and we must do all we can to help them."

Mr Stewart said: "I am obviously very pleased we are in negotiations with the Bulls and would like to bring it back to the committee in a completely beneficial way to all parties."

Mr Caisley said after the meeting: "We have had some preliminary discussions with the Council and hope there can be a satisfactory resolution for both parties."

lThe committee also agreed that burned out and abandoned cars in the district will be removed in between 24 and 48 hours after it awarded the contract for the work to Automotive Recycling in Rothwell, Leeds. The firm will start work on Monday.

The Council has taken on the powers of the police which allows it to remove the wrecks quickly instead of the existing system where it has to wait seven days.

Members also endorsed a review of old people's services which shifted the balance from supporting old people in long-term care to supporting more of them in their own homes.