The future of Coventry Stadium, Brandon

That takes me back. I could almost smell the track again (very early 50's). Thanks MR.

Statement from the Save Coventry Speedway and Stox Campaign Group Several videos/pictures of Brandon have been posted on social media in the last few days which are upsetting people. We can understand therefore that feelings are running high. However, it is irresponsible for people to suggest fans visit the stadium to 'help themselves' to mementos and we urge people NOT to try getting into the stadium. The stadium is in a dangerous state and we should also consider the local residents, who deserve some respite from recent events. Recent entries into the stadium are now being reported to the police by local residents. Additionally, it is not helpful that people are 'writing off' Brandon. Yes, it is in a shocking state as a result of Brandon Estates failing to secure the site. Despite this, it CAN be restored - and this is currently a far more realistic possibility than finding new land which is not in the green belt, and overcoming all manner of obstacles and objections to get planning permission. Our campaign has tremendous momentum with the Borough Council, Brandon and Binley Woods Parish Councils, Speedway and stock car fans, the local Member of Parliament, numerous Councillors and most importantly, the vast majority of local residents all opposing the redevelopment of the stadium. As a Campaign Group, we will stand firm and continue to do EVERYTHING we can, in a responsible manner, to stop the redevelopment.

Interesting article in today's Mail on Sunday by Oliver Holt In it, he says "On Friday afternoon, the developers submitted a planning application. I hope Rugby Borough Council do the right thing again. I hope the application is rejected and that the developers are told never to come back. I hope they are told that that land belongs to speedway, as it has done for nearly 100 years, and that it should be returned to speedway."

Coventry Observer report

PLANNING DOCUMENTS RELEASED Full details of the Brandon Estates planning application are now available from Rugby Council. You can view the documents via this link.

It's all going to go isn't it Very sad Cliff.

I think so, Neil

Objections to the planning application submitted by Brandon Estates can now be emailed or posted to Rugby Council and should be addressed to the Planning Officer, Ms Erica Buchanan. Her email address is: erica.buchanan@rugby.gov.uk and emails/letters MUST quote the application number which is R18/0186 and MUST also include one's own name and full address. Anyone who is uncertain of what they should write need only say that they are strongly opposed to these plans and urge the planning officer to recommend refusal. This will be sufficient to have it recorded as an objection (although of course there is no reason not to give all the reasons to make a point). When the Planning Committee meet to consider the application, the Planning Officer will state the total number of supporting emails/letters and the total number of objections and will give a selection of the reasons for both, which have been stated in them. It is important therefore, to try to overwhelm them with the volume of our objections. This was done in the fight to get speedway back to Birmingham and it was very effective.

My email to Rugby Council: Dear Rugby Council I write objecting to the plans to destroy one of Coventry and Rugby's sporting icons to develop housing. Housing can be developed elsewhere. Brandon Stadium is known throughout the world, as the home of the Coventry Bees - and has been so since I was born in 1947. From the age of 4 until I migrated to Australia in 1973, I rarely missed a meeting, and worked there as part of the track staff for both speedway and stock cars. Both sports regularly brought visitors to Coventry and Rugby in large numbers. Since moving to Australia, I have treasured the fact that I have been able to watch speedway from Brandon regularly on TV, and - being now involved in Australian speedway - I can tell you how the Bees inspire young riders over here! The city of Coventry gains worldwide recognition as a result of the Bees' magnificent record over the years. In the spectator crowds at last October's Speedway Grand Prix in Melbourne, hundreds of fans wore Bees colours, some of whom travelled from Coventry and others were Aussie Bees supporters. Can you imagine the impact on the city of Manchester if Man Utd were forced out of existence by greedy developers with no thought of the impact on the well-being of the community. In recent years, Coventry has effectively lost its Premier League football team to greedy asset strippers, and its formerly formidable rugby team has lost out to better financed rivals. The region is in danger of disappearing completely from the rest of the world. City of Culture?? Pardon me for laughing - everything that made Coventry a community is being destroyed!!!! The argument that the stadium was financially unviable is a simplistic and self-serving lie. Other development options, including commercial development AROUND the stadium, making the complex dual purpose, should be considered that would make the continuation of speedway viable as a community asset. I would recommend such a course of action, and - if I had the finances to do it - I would make such a counter-proposal. Please consider these fervently held views from afar! John Walker

Good on ya, JW. I have been waiting with bated breath for your comments.

Scott Nicholls' Brandon sadness

JW. I agree with you, yet at the same time wonder why over all the time that passed by the powers that be at Brandon did not seem to secure their future? 1950 and Brandon stood in acres of waste land.

Sadly Kaga - I think they were securing their future all along - waiting for the right time to sell off and make their profit.

After all that has been said and encouraging comments made I sincerely hope they can 'Get the Hive Buzzing again'