Cradley Heathens in deal for new speedway home
Cradley Heathens speedway club have allayed fears for its future after announcing riders will take to the track next season - but at a new home circuit.
Heathens were told they could no longer use Wolverhampton's Monmore Green track for 2015, their temporary home for the last four years.
But club chairman Nigel Pearson has revealed a deal has been struck to share Birmingham's Perry Barr Stadium.
It comes as the club have so far been unable to find a location in Dudley borough to build a new home stadium.
Mr Pearson has criticised Dudley Council for not doing enough to help - but council leader Councillor David Sparks said they have carried out 'extensive searches' without success.
The club have lost the use of Monmore Green which is only available for Elite League Wolverhampton in next season,
The Birmingham Brummies will also make a welcome track return in the same level of racing after closing down in July due to financial problems.
The clubs will race on alternate Wednesdays from March to October.
Mr Pearson said: "This is wonderful news for both sets of supporters and from a Cradley point of view it's a big relief to get this sorted.
"It will mean we will need every single Heathens fan to come along to Perry Barr and support us to ensure the club survives.
"The one unfortunate side of the situation is that there is no way we could enter the Premier League as planning permission for Perry Barr is strict at one speedway event per week.
"There would be no room for both Birmingham and ourselves if we were in the Premier with many more fixtures.
"It's been a stressful few weeks, we have been desperate to keep the club on track and we have achieved that."
