Dudley Council leader in vow over Cradley Heathens stadium bid
A council leader has pledged to do everything he can to find a Black Country speedway club a permanent home in his borough.
Dudley Council leader Patrick Harley said he has been in talks with Cradley Heathens' bosses in efforts to find the team a permanent place to have meets in Dudley.
The team have been homeless for more than 20 years and having to meet at the homes of rivals in Wolverhampton and Birmingham.
But now councillor Harley has said it is 'paramount' the local authority take action to find them somewhere to call their home – following another dead-end attempt just weeks ago.
Councillor Harley said: "There are two groups – the supporters group and the organisation that is Cradley speedway. I have met with both of them trying to find some way forward to try and get them a home back in the borough.
"I thought we had found a home a few weeks ago but unfortunately after having officers meet with the land owners, they do have a use for that land.
"Unfortunately the search goes on to try and help the Cradley Heathens. I do realise that it is absolutely paramount to try and find them somewhere.
"It is by no means something I think can continue, they need to be playing at a higher level, having more meetings, so I think it is paramount that we try and find the Heathens a home somewhere in the borough."
The comments came as part of a live Q&A session the council boss was hosting on Facebook, where he also answered viewers questions on homelessness in the borough and illegal traveller camps.
