The immediate problems of the snow and ice will be uppermost in most people's minds this week. However, the news that Bath Rugby could be on the verge of a historic decision is something that will have massive implications for the area long after that snow has melted.

It must be stressed that, at the moment, nothing is confirmed but there definitely seems to be a genuine, growing, feeling that Bath Rugby may be considering leaving their beloved Rec.

The reasons why are increasing all the time.

First, the Rec stalemate has gone on far too long. Even with the huge profile generated by the Chronicle-backed Keep Rugby At The Rec campaign we still seem no closer to an agreement than when we kicked off. The club and the council have worked tirelessly but the truth is we are still in a messy scrum in the middle of the park.

Secondly the (rugby) goalposts have moved. Where once an increase to a 15,000 capacity seemed a credible aim for Bath Rugby it now looks, if anything, to be lacking in ambition. Professional rugby continues to grow and if Bath wants to grow with it then a 15,000 seater stadium may be insufficient.

Thirdly, there now seems more opportunities for a move within the city than when we launched our campaign. At that time there didn't seem many alternatives if we wanted to keep Bath Rugby here, and Western Riverside seemed totally out of bounds. But is that now still the case? Has the economy changed so much that space could indeed be found on Western Riverside to house Bath Rugby – maybe even alongside Bath City FC?

As a newspaper we are desperate, above all, that Bath Rugby stays in our city. We may have had to criticise them on our back pages this season at times but as a club they have our 100 per cent backing. And as such if they want us to think about having a two-fold campaign – to Keep Rugby at the Rec if possible but, just as importantly, to keep Bath Rugby in Bath – then they have our support.

We do not want to see the club leave the Rec. But, even more so, we don't want to see them in Bristol or Swindon either.

Keep Bath Rugby in Bath.