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Let’s hope you’re banned for good. Such foul language and aggressive demeanour have no place on a forum. Grow up.

THE Campaign to Save Coventry Speedway and Stox has been given a double boost in the space of less than a week. Rugby Borough Council announced yesterday (May 7) that their Local Plan had been given the green light by the Government Inspector, and this follows a referendum on the Brandon and Bretford Neighbourhood Plan last Thursday (May 2). Crucially, the Inspector’s final report into the Rugby Local Plan will lead to a significant amendment which will further protect Brandon Stadium against development. We are delighted to report that the Government Inspector recognised the importance of Brandon Stadium for both speedway and stock car racing, and that the lack of protection against the loss of sports facilities made the Local Plan initially ‘unsound’ requiring an amendment to be made. The Inspector stated that there was a key omission in Policy HS4, referring to “the absence of any protection against the existing built sports facilities, which is necessary to ensure provision in the borough is not diminished over time. “Paragraph 74 of the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) expects that existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land should not be built on unless they are surplus to requirements, or would be replaced elsewhere by equivalent provision or by alternative sports and recreational provision. “Policy HS4 as submitted includes these provisions for open space but not for built sports and recreational facilities.” The Inspector then refers directly to Brandon Stadium and concludes that changes to the wording of Policy HS4 are required in order to be consistent with national policy for sports and recreational buildings in general. He says: “Although many sports facilities are in public ownership, some are privately owned and therefore vulnerable to closure and redevelopment for alternative uses. “I heard evidence at the hearings about the proposals for the residential redevelopment of the Brandon or Coventry Stadium, which was until recently in active use for speedway and stock car racing. “The Plan would not be unsound without a specific policy to protect or allocate the stadium. “However, the absence of a policy to safeguard existing sports and recreational buildings generally in the borough from being built on unless surplus to requirements or replaced elsewhere, in line with paragraph 74 of the NPPF, does render the Plan unsound.” The Inspector has confirmed the revised wording published by RBC as draft modifications. For completeness, the relevant changes made to Policy HS4 of the plan are as follows, shown in bold and underlined: Policy HS4: Open space, sports facilities and recreation C. Public open space, sports and recreational buildings and land, including playing fields (REMOVED: assets identified) within the Open Space Audit evidence and/or defined on the (REMOVED: Proposals) Policies Map and/or last in sporting or recreational use (REMOVED: will be protected from development) should not be built upon unless: • An assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the open space, building or land to be surplus to requirements; or • it can be demonstrated that the loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location; or • the development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the needs for which clearly outweigh the loss. The Inspectors’ Report recognises the case made by the Campaign Group at the Public Examination held last year and the time and effort taken. It marks a significant milestone and should now allow the Campaign to move on as well as enabling the Council to consider – and hopefully reject – Brandon Estates’ planning application for housing redevelopment on the stadium site. We currently await the report of the Independent Consultant appointed by Rugby Council to assess discrepancies between the planning documentation and the material provided by ourselves. But this is perhaps an appropriate time to review the weight of evidence which is now stacked AGAINST the speculative Planning Application: *Changes to the Rugby Local Plan instigated by a Government Inspector, who conducted his own site visit, resulting in the fact that the Plan now offers protection to existing sporting facilities where there is clear ongoing need. *The Brandon and Bretford Parish Neighbourhood Plan, which was adopted at last week’s referendum, which clearly states that it is the wish of the community for the Brandon Stadium site to remain as a sports venue. *A submission from 11 MPs/Lords, including four from the local area, urging Rugby Council to reject the Planning Application and support efforts to bring the sports back. This letter was drafted by MP for Rugby Mark Pawsey and other local MPs to sign were Colleen Fletcher, Jim Cunningham and Marcus Jones. *Public consultation to the Planning Application resulted in an unprecedented response of over 1,800 letters and e-mails, all but seven of which called for the rejection of the planning application. *The response included submissions from speedway riders and stock car drivers past and present, including World Champions, locally, nationally and internationally – as well as from the vast majority of local residents who view the iconic stadium as a much-loved local facility. *A local newspaper poll in mid-2018 resulted in 96% of over 2,000 votes supporting the return of the sports to Brandon – fully endorsing the public consultation. *Official bodies of both sports, including the BSPA, SCB, ACU, BriSCA and the BSCDA have all voiced their opposition to the plans. *These comments were noted by Sport England, who raised a number of concerns with the applicant’s Viability Statement. *The Campaign Group have made several significant submissions in response to planning material, highlighting with evidence an astounding number of errors, inaccuracies and untruths. *Planning consultants Framptons have already been forced to withdraw a section of their Needs Assessment under threat of action from the former site owners as their account of the events of 2016 was found to be unsatisfactory. Two-and-a-half years after speedway and stock cars were ejected from the stadium, with no serious consideration given to their future, the determination to see them return is stronger than ever. The latest developments in the Rugby Local Plan and the Neighbourhood Plan add further weight towards the need for the rightful outcome to be reached in the speediest possible time. As to what happens next, we believe that once the Independent Consultant’s report is received, it will enable the senior Planning Officer Erica Buchanan to complete her own report and recommendation for consideration by the Planning Committee. Though we have not had confirmation, we would reasonably expect that to take place in June or July of this year.

there is banter and banter he is a disgrace to poole speedway and speedway as a whole disgraceful language

Home already after one of the quickest run meetings I've been to at MPA. 15 heats, an interval and 4 grading breaks and all complete in 1 hour 30 minutes (thought it was going to be quicker after the first 7 heats were complete in 30 minutes). Well done to all concerned, other tracks should take note. Good win for the Bears and a very good team performance with all of the riders (except Tom) getting at least 1 win or paid win. Wright his usual excellent self, Stewart rapidly improving and Ben and MPT with good wins. Jack Smith rode very well too and battles for every point. The Rebels were a 4 man team - Harris was his usual hard riding self and produced some good passes, Schlein was good until his last ride, Kurtz was fast when he gated and Covatti was solid enough. The other 3 hadn't rode at Redcar before and struggled. Not a classic by any means but some decent racing. Hopefully 17 points is enough but you never know with the Bears.

I'm pleased that the Judge and jury are leaving everyone else alone and are focused on Craig with so many ill informed and frankly appalling opinions. I've fallen out with him and his father on more than one occasion but mutual respect and civility remains. As far as this forum is concerned everyone can agree to disagree quite amicably at times but on this occasion I honestly feel that this topic is showing utter disrespect not only for the person but for his alleged issues and that is the absolute pits.

Why are my opinions rubbish? Poole track is poor Ipswich were unlucky throwing away scoring positions The speedway updates feed was poor Richie Worrall is the weak link for Poole I think Covatti could be doing better as well If your to precious to accept any kind of comment about your team thats not my issue. I have may good debates on here with many Poole fans We all know what Shovlar is And a Poole fan gave it back to me lol........blaming the update feed on riders wearing the same kevlars is comical...........i paid my first visit to Ipswich on Monday and although they wore the same kevlars its pretty obvious who is who and its very unprofessional that Poole dont have them and even Josh looked like he was racing for us.

Prob just doing a Gavan to Gavan tbh. We have to put up with so much negative rubbish from him on a daily basis I'm not surprised a Poole fan gives it back slightly. Though nowhere near as bad!

Why did it? Wasn’t Kildemand a ‘temporary fix’ for Holder last year? What’s different? And Holder wasn’t even in Poole’s ending line up last season!

Its not the price that is the problem, but the quality of entertainment for that cost

Very sorry to hear of the passing of Freddie Starr who, in the 1970s, could often be found watching speedway from the Panorama Room at Owlerton. This invariably led to him doing an impromptu performance after the match, entertaining the crowds with his wild antics. My wife has fond memories of being co-opted into joining him in a conga line which went all the way round the Panorama Room - until it disappeared into the men's toilets! Whether he actually ate the hamster or not, his unique talents will be sadly missed.

OMG! How does Hawkins keep his job.... absolutely clueless. How does he expect Jake to ride in heat 15 when his last race was in heat 8 . Why wasn’t King replaced in his 4th ride? Why wasn’t either Lawson or Harris held back for heat 15? I could go on.....

Had heard that too. Was somewhat surprised given the time and effort that Cook and those behind the scenes take in looking after fans and the work put into his testimonial at Glasgow. Craig is a complex character and quite obviously can be his own worst enemy which is a shame because on his day he can be an invaluable asset.

You clearly like talking about yourself then Trackprat. I dont put a lot on here nowadays, but i do read your drivel and laugh.

Moving forward slowly but surely. Big thanks to all at the Save Coventry Group for all their hard work.

Reading Racers legend and ace tuner retired yesterday- 2 days after his 64th birthday. Happy retirement Jan.

Yet another dig at one of the clubs who have bothered to to look professional rather than a bunch of ragbag amateurs - very sad although not unexpected.

Another example of change it/keep it/alter it/hide from the viewing public/make it up rules that gives another reason why our sport lacks any credibility. Its another of those rules ‘it depends who is asking’!

Not sure on this but has happened before in that there is/was a rule in place that if a rider finished in a team the previous year & is declared the following year, a facility can be granted. But, I do not know how r/r has been allowed for Morris as he had not ridden for Wolves this year & last year was at Swindon.

Was the type of track that Bomber loves then....

exactly ray, the ipswich managements priority is to learn how to use their excellent reserves and try and understand the voting in ht14s

not correct the track was fine last night riders attacked the track don't believe everything you read .

Zielona Gora v Lublin tonight programme starts 4.30pm UK time 1st race 5pm UK time http://www.maniak.tv/kanal-7 http://www.drhtv.com.pl/drhtv-2.html

The mention of Schwartz just brought a couple of things to mind, he was always always a very approachable gentleman....certainly in his early and latter days anyway. I first saw Schwartz at Owego, New York for the very first US OPEN National Championship in 1977.....he won of course. The next year I was on the centre doing some photography and unfortunately got a good photo of Bob breaking his thumb after a close encounter on bends three and four. Wish I could find that photo today...also got one of him in a full slide waving!!!! And yes Sid....I always thought he was underrated too!

I did Sid, the crowd was massive that day. I think it was the biggest at the City in the post war era.

CFS come across as a pair of idiots and are about as professional as their WordArt logo. The stuff they post on Twitter is truly embarrassing. Craig is well shot of them

Glasgow Tigers 1 Mr Maximum 2 Sarj 3 Rasmus 4 Starky 5 Claus 6 Luke 7 Kyle Sheffield 1 Danny King 2 Kasper Andersen 3 Ty Proctor 4 Drew Kemp 5 Kyle Howarth 6 Broc Nicol 7 Zaine Kennedy Afternoon sports fans , season starts properly tonight with the other Tigers up here for a cup tie . Unusually for a day when Sheffield are up , it's not raining . It's fair to say that despite being pre season favourites , the lesser Tigers from Yorkshire have slightly underperformed so far . But the pre season stuff is all but over and this it when it really matters . Looking for Mr Maximum to miss the gate a few times tonight again , so we can enjoy him pouncing on an opponent faster than Joe Lawler's finger on a hotel fire alarm button , but there are a few in the lesser Tiger's septets who won't make it easy for him . But an intriguing and hopefully exciting two meetings will be enjoyed by fans of both Tigers and may the best big cats win .

Later this month on May 31st, Romford Speedway will once again come alive at 7:45! The RUSSC Club in Mawney Road, Romford which is just a stone’s throw away from the old Brooklands Road Stadium will be hosting a Romford Speedway Reunion. Invites have gone out to as many former Bombers as I’ve been able to trace. Ticket details at http://www.romfordspeedwayreunion.co.uk

Matt Ford fan must be about as well .

Guess they are harder on trolls!

Well what a little charmer you appear to be. On a serious note I`m amazed these posts are still here to read, are the mods having a day off.

Just my understanding of the situation Steve, I may be wrong

Yes you got that one right "a brilliant home boy" and really that was "it" in my opinion.....while he ruled the California circuits he could never come to grips with the bigger tracks.

TONIGHT’S speedway meeting at the Eddie Wright Raceway between the HEB Scunthorpe Scorpions and Newcastle Diamonds has been postponed due to a waterlogged track. The call-off was made at midday. Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey explains: “It’s largely down to the torrential rain we’ve had over the last 48 hours. “It rained heavily on Wednesday, which we were expecting, but then it was heavy rain again yesterday (Thursday), which wasn’t forecast. “This morning, the forecast was due to be a dry day and we could got have got the track back. But it started raining again at 11am, it’s still raining now (12.15pm), and the forecast has changed and there’s now a possiblility of further rain later today. “I know we can’t get the track back in time, and I hope everyone appreciates the early call-off, rather than wasting their time tonight.” There is no re-staging date as yet, although the two clubs are in contact about a possible new date.

More like different club different rules. We’ve been there before. You'd like to think that where a declared rider can’t start the season who is a long serving club man then a bit of common sense could be applied for his reintroduction.

Think it's fair Danny King is particularly recognisable this season........

The meeting is still available in full on the app via the catch up menu, which is in the three line menu option top left.and go under the 'watch' menu.

Mainly on Cook's chips I would imagine?!

nice words

No Hancock, no Doyle, no Lahti, no Pedersen and no Bogdanovs or Puodzuks for differing reasons has all put a bit of a downer on this meeting imo. It’s going to be a 3 team only battle and hopefully they all want to finish in the top 2. Oh and hopefully some great racing on a great track but it’s been poor weather all week.

I would imagine so- they are giving Schlein a chance to see what he can do.

Other than yourself everyone else is saying the track was shocking.

If no one replies, i will post them when i get home from work.

We move on to week 2 - matches Tuesday May 14th Rospiggarna v Vastervik Tuesday May 14th Smederna v Masarna Tuesday May 14th Dackarna v Piraterna Tuesday May 14th Indianerna v Lejonen Thursday May 16th Vetlanda v lejonen Once again Freesports is on Thursday covering that night`s Vetlanda v Lejonen match starting at 10.15pm I will post teams on Sunday evening for the Tuesday matches and on Tuesday for the Thursday match.

every team is carrying a couple of riders probably due to the finances involved. we are having close matches because of this which can only be good for the fans.

You are not getting my point.... Hawkins should have nominated Lawson, Bellego, Pieszczek and Allen.... then Harris could have gone in heat 15......

I voted for Bellego

is there anything speedway fans wont moan about

And our manager needs to use our reserves more Gavan

£30k

Is it just a coincidence that this appears on the day that CFS sponsored Swindon were going to use Craig Cook as a guest? Just as well that the weather forecast has put paid to that idea....