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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

Good result for The Bears tonight, especially as, according to Garry May, we look vunerable at home!

No not at all you are clearly unable to read and have a balanced view . Maybe i haven't put my point across very well but however i put it ,i think you will only interpret it the way you want too.

Your right though it usually doesn't take long for those to show themselves in their true light no matter what their username.

All this nonsense about team suits making it hard to tell who’s who makes me laugh! They all have different colour helmets and the program and announcers will tell you who’s wearing which colour helmet in each race it’s pretty straight forward

Positive news ,at least we have a chance now.chancer Horton is out of the way( I think) so full steam ahead the good ship Bees. A great big thanks to the campaign group. up the bees.

Dudek is very lucky to walk away from that.

It may well do, but I’m sure the expectation is that having a strong No 1 will inspire improved performances through the team.

Eleven sports 1 has the speedway on right now- are you sure it`s Poland Eleven sports 1 ?

I posted (OOPS!) as it has CFS on the pictures who have recently said have nothing to do with Cookie. The Daily Star could/should have used 2019 photos from Glasgow as he is, also, not with the Aces.

You have my best wishes for the return of Coventry 'Bees' to it's ancestral home. I sincerely hope that this can come to fruition.

I am still trying to come to terms with his split personality telling anybody that they speak rubbish.

There is a lot of financial and manpower backing for the refurb of the facilities for if/when Brandon Estates see the error of their ways. It seems that the Stadium was purchased without the necessary due diligence as to the planning possibilities on Brando Estate's part!

This is all great news and very welcome. I don't want to be a party pooper though but there is a huge turd in the way still here. A stadium that has been effectively ransacked by previous Owners, vandalised by various individuals and Groups of individuals and a massive capital outlay required to get it in to any kind of condition to stage speedway or stocks again. I do wonder if the most cost effective option may be to demolish and remove everything and then build from foundations up as Somerset / Leicester have done, slowly and steadily. It would NOT BE Brandon of old, but it may be a more cost effective and quicker way. What is needed though are Stock Car and Speedway Promoter(s) and people to work together to create something new. As with other venues it may require Stocks to lead the way. There is a huge amount of support and affection for the name and brand "Coventry Bees". There are some great ideas starting to emerge at Clubs all round the UK from IOW / Eastbourne in the South through Leicester / Sheffield /Belle Vue and up to Glasgow further North; and many other points in between, some of that marketing dust is required at Coventry and it'll need a Group not an individual I think to bring it to fruition. My best wishes to the Bees.

Why would anyone take notice of what the Ipswich management say when you diss everything the Poole management say at every opportunity. Poole came close to losing last night because yet again in the main they couldn't gate. The 20 point home win over BV proves they can be comfortable at home. However in the return Cup fixture at Foxhole next Thursday I fully expect the Witches to come out the winners. Happy to be proved wrong but we'll see. NB, perhaps some of the supposed confusion in some of the updates (although Poole twitter updates were spot on as he sits directly over the start/finish line!) were due to the difficulty in recognising which Ippo riders were which due to the confusing team kevlars - also not helped by the faded yellow helmet colours looking very similar to white!!!

why were they there they never did a very good job of managing your team otherwise you should have won

So the team predicted to finish top can only beat the team predicted to finish bottom by two points at home....either the league is going to be tighter than a tight thing or one or both of those predictions is wrong.

One of my claims to fame Sid, was seeing Steve Bast ride for Wembley in 1970. I think he only rode a couple of home meetings.

I would prob go with Poole Twitter updates. Right and a lot faster!

Anyone got a clue why King was not replaced in his 4th ride? This golf buddy thing is costly

Mmmm interesting comments on ( B ) rough park you say.. well you could ask all apart from 1 or 2 visiting riders who have been there so far this season & you'll get a pleasant surprise on how many have enjoyed racing on it & don't forget that we only have 1 day access to get the track RACE ready so hats off to top track man Johnny swales..

That's how it's worked out now but it set the tone and upset many of the regulars who were happy with their team as announced, that's the point, never mind that it was also about to get worse on the team front. Overall though I generally happy with some reservations. I'm not happy about seemingly being the poor relation of triple ownership or that the objective and end game seem somewhat unclear. However, it is what it is and it's been a rollercoaster for 15 years anyway.

Looks like a decent amount of material still there approaching the mid meeting point and that terribly slick inside line seems to be rather grippy pulling Lawson through to the lead.......

We don't hate each other at all. Only few idiots show hatred. It used to be like that in the past with riots and water cannons but it is civil now. Actually Both Us Falubazes and They Stallers are pretty proud of our Voivodship's strength in speedway Fun fact. If the Falubaz - Stal is the biggest derby in speedway then Falubaz - Unia leszno is the second

Oh dear the amazing vanishing posts... It reminds me of the Joke about the Lady Cleaner who whilst undertaking her job in the local working men's club and upon entering the Gents toilet found a drawing on the wall of a mans appendage, so immediately, and to protect everyone's modesty she washed it off. The next morning she did her rounds again and low and behold the offending drawing had reappeared much to her chagrin, again she washed off the graffiti and completed her tasks. Next morning she set about her work and again on the third day the appendage had reappeared even larger and bolder than before and this went on for the whole week, each morning a larger drawing on the toilet wall of a mans appendage which was starting to frustrate the Lady Cleaner so she wrote a note on the wall which said "Please stop drawing rude pictures on this wall" to which on the eight day she found a picture of the offending article that filled the full wall with the comment underneath "The more you rub the bigger it gets" Happy trails Regards THJ