Bankers of long-delayed Superdome are expected to reveal their funders before their contract runs out with the Council at the end of the year.

Arbuthnot Latham say in a letter to Council chiefs today that they expect to make recommendations to Superdome founder-shareholders on suitable backers by the early part of November.

Associate Director John Bradley says once agreement has been reached - and subject to permission they will be able to reveal their identity to the public by December 18.

The letter follows talks in London this week between Council leader Councillor Ian Greenwood and David Kennedy, director of Regeneration and Strategic Support and the bank.

Controversy is raging over the £200 million project for Odsal Stadium.

Bradford Bulls want to bring in an alternative developer, millionaire Eddie Healey, to build a new stadium and shopping scheme because they are fed up with the delay.

Opposition councillors say the authority should pull the plug in December when Superdome's contract with the Council runs out.

The bankers have written: "The project continues to be driven forward with every effort from ourselves and all involved to achieve an early financial close."

Coun Greenwood said: "They are a significant bank of good standing. We accept the assurances they give."

A quarterly review of the grandiose project was being given at today's meeting of the corporate executive sub-committee.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.