Battle to revive speedway

Plans to build a new speedway stadium in the Dudley borough is the end of a decade-long bid to bring the popular sport back to its long-time home.

Campaigners have never given up the fight to revive the sport in the town since its previous home at Dudley Wood was sold off for housing in 1996.

The local team, the legendary Cradley Heathens, were launched in 1947 and enjoyed their best period of success during the 1980s and early 1990s with several world champions among their ranks.

But despite its illustrious history the team folded shortly after their home was sold and since then, campaigners known as the Cradley Raising Aid Saving Heathens (CRASH) have been battling to restore the club to its former glory.

The announcement a new stadium could be created in the town has also renewed hopes the team itself could also be revived.

Along with Sport England the campaign group has spent £15,000 searching for possible sites for a new speedway stadium and although they are remaining tightlipped over locations, a shortlist of three in Dudley has now been drawn up.

Last year their efforts were dealt a blow when proposals to build a new stadium on the Castle Gate business park were dropped in favour of an office development.

And plans to join up with the sports village being created to house Dudley Football Team will also no longer go ahead.

Bob Edwards, of the group, said the Heathens had put the borough on the national and international sporting maps.

"We are delighted that the new stadium will be in Dudley," added Mr Edwards.

But before the scheme can progress a number of issues will need to be overcome before any planning applications are submitted.

One of the main issues is expected to be the potential noise generated by the speedway. And former economic chief at Dudley Council Les Jones, said that may prove the sticking point. He said: "This will be the big thing, trying to do it in an urban area."

By Helen Cartwright