Dudley stadium improvements delayed
A £17,000 improvement of Dudley's main sports stadium has hit delays caused by an equipment fault and the recent heavy rain, it has emerged.
The running track at the Dell Stadium, in Pensnett, was closed last month for repairs and maintenance to take place.
It was expected to re-open earlier this month but Dudley Council has now confirmed this had been put back until the end of the month.
Officials have blamed the delay on the recent heavy rain which has disrupted the planned work.
And specialist equipment used by the contractor has also broken down.
Cabinet member for health and well-being on the council, Councillor Rachel Harris said: "The heavy rain we have had in recent weeks has caused delays with the cleaning of the running track at the Dell Stadium.
"There is also a fault with the contractor's specialist equipment.
"We are working closely with them to get this work done as quickly as we can.
"We are hoping to have the track ready for use by the end of June.
"We are also speaking to athletics clubs who use the track to keep them informed of progress."
Hundreds of people use the stadium which is in Bryce Road, every week.
Members of Dudley and Stourbridge Harriers athletics club use the stadium for training and meetings.
Chairman David Eades said: "It has affected the athletes who train there. It's caused some distruption. We only applied to have two or three home meetings this season because of the work taking place.
"Our next one is the beginning of July but that is starting to look doubtful. We are hoping it will be able to go-ahead."
Dudley Town football club plays home games at the ground. Long jump areas at the stadium have also been closed for the improvements to take place.
