D-Day for Cradley Heathens' new home

Pearson yesterday revealed 'positive' discussions have taken place between the club and council leader Peter Lowe over the possibility of building a new track in the borough.

But the Heathens chairman admits it is now a case of now or never in the club's long search for a permanent home.

He said: "There are no promises, but at least we will know for sure.

"In this case we have a council leader who is making a genuine effort to reach a successful conclusion. We are in regular contact."

The Heathens were one of the top teams in British speedway for decades before their Dudley Wood track was sold for housing in the 1990s.

Since reforming in 2009 they have searched for a new home, but have struggled to maintain talks with the council before now.

Pearson thinks they have found the 'perfect' spot for a new track but claims they have been knocked back by planning officers for reasons people 'wouldn't believe.'

The team are racing this season at Birmingham's Perry Barr track.