Parsloes 1928 nearly Posted July 16, 2013 Report Share Posted July 16, 2013 Some of you may already be aware that Paschal Taggart has made a bid with National Asset Management Agency (Ireland) for the development of the Wimbledon Stadium site in Plough Lane for a new state of the art greyhound stadium. Wimbledon Club Chairman when the track closed in 2005, Ian Perkin has had communications with Paschal's legal counsel and if the bid is successful she has indicated that Paschal would be interested in discussing with the previous promotion whether there might be a suitable opportunity for allowing Speedway racing to take place in the new stadium. This is a very long way from actually making this a reality, but clearly this potential development represents the only real prospect of Speedway ever returning to Plough Lane, given that the present owners of the site, Risk Capital Partners and Galliard Homes are trying to maximise the value of the site by putting forward a proposal that would see the end of any multi-sport use. Merton Council have designated the site for the Intensification of Sport and Leisure, but the fight that Paschal's proposals have is making sure that the Council applies total impartiality to the bids being put forward, particularly regarding the AFC Wimbledon bid which would also see the end of any motor sport at Wimbledon Stadium. Where Speedway fans can help and particularly those who live within Merton and the Greater London Area is to write to the Leader of Merton Council and the Mayor of London to make the case for a multi-use stadium that could be potentially used by all the family for a range of sports. In writing in support of the development we have the opportunity of demonstrating to Paschal Taggart the level of support there is for Speedway racing in Wimbledon and hopefully help secure with the local planning authorities approval to a stadium development that keeps alive the possibility of one day the sport returning to Plough Lane. The contact details if you want to help with this project are listed below. Cllr Stephen Alambritis Leader of the Council London Borough of Merton Merton Civic Centre London Road Morden, SM4 5DX Email: stephen.alambritis@merton.gov.uk Boris Johnson Mayor of London Greater London Authority City Hall The Queen's Walk More London London SE1 2AA By email: mayor@london.gov.uk (please also provide your postal address in the emails) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Voice Of Reason Posted July 16, 2013 Report Share Posted July 16, 2013 (edited) I wish those associated with The Dons every success in their bid to get the bikes roaring around again in South West London. However, and with all due respect, would it not be more advantageous to set up an online petition to the aforementioned parties? I would imagine that the amount of Speedway fans within the London area is now quite low. Many of us have moved out - but would dearly love to show our support. Writing letters is (unfortunately) a dying art form these days for many. To this end, an online petition may possibly generate a much greater response? Once again, sincere best wishes in your efforts. Oh for the days of Speedway at Plough Lane, and my beloved Waterden Road. Edited July 16, 2013 by The Voice Of Reason Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JC! Posted July 16, 2013 Report Share Posted July 16, 2013 First 2 responses from Hackney supporters!!!! Will keep my fingers crossed that this can happen, lets hope for some good news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The White Knight Posted July 16, 2013 Report Share Posted July 16, 2013 Here's hoping. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedibee Posted July 17, 2013 Report Share Posted July 17, 2013 (edited) A football club want it , so I won't be bothering with any petitions etc as anything else has no chance ,.good luck with it though for those of you who hold Hopes of speedway returning Edited July 17, 2013 by speedibee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noaksey Posted July 17, 2013 Report Share Posted July 17, 2013 Could someone explain the role of NAMA in this please? Do they have an existing interest in the site? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Stadia Posted July 17, 2013 Report Share Posted July 17, 2013 A football club want it , so I won't be bothering with any petitions etc as anything else has no chance ,.good luck with it though for those of you who hold Hopes of speedway returning I can understand your pessimism, but AFC Wimbledon are in League 2 (fourth division), not super flush with cash, I wouldn't have thought. London is not exactly short of football stadiums, but is short of speedway and would be totally short if greyhounds and stocks disappear. Therefore, there has to be optimism if greyhounds, speedway and stocks band together and stress the benefit of multi-use, as it is unlikely AFC Wimbledon would want greyhounds. I wonder if the locals would want football back in Plough Lane? Do we know if Boris likes speedway? I reckon he might like greyhounds! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedibee Posted July 17, 2013 Report Share Posted July 17, 2013 I can understand your pessimism, but AFC Wimbledon are in League 2 (fourth division), not super flush with cash, I wouldn't have thought. London is not exactly short of football stadiums, but is short of speedway and would be totally short if greyhounds and stocks disappear. Therefore, there has to be optimism if greyhounds, speedway and stocks band together and stress the benefit of multi-use, as it is unlikely AFC Wimbledon would want greyhounds. I wonder if the locals would want football back in Plough Lane? Do we know if Boris likes speedway? I reckon he might like greyhounds! I wouldn't have a clue what league AFC Wimbledon are in completely non football ,but I know when ever footbal is involved in anything at any level they always get priority and theres always someone to throw money at them . as an aside where do they play at the moment ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vincent Vega Posted July 17, 2013 Report Share Posted July 17, 2013 AFC Wimbledon play at Kings Meadow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Sidney Posted July 17, 2013 Report Share Posted July 17, 2013 A glimmer of hope - still need RCP to sell the site, but a step in the right direction Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parsloes 1928 nearly Posted July 18, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 18, 2013 AFC Wimbledon play at Kings Meadow. It's the home ground of a very famous football club Kingstonian (in Kingston-upon-Thames) - somewhat ironically considering the Wimbledon FC story, AFC have done something of a cuckoo act by taking over someone's else's ground... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
salty Posted July 18, 2013 Report Share Posted July 18, 2013 (edited) LInk to the Racing Post story mentioned in the Irish Examiner story. http://www.racingpos...ng/1319343/top/ Not sure what difference that makes. Just one tentacle of RCP passing the running (down) of the stadiums to another tentacle... Edited July 18, 2013 by salty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
salty Posted July 18, 2013 Report Share Posted July 18, 2013 15 years leases for two Birmingham tracks (one hosting speedway) and Belle Vue (home to speedway and stock cars at the moment) doesn't look bad to me. The key now is to keep an eye on Wimbledon Stadium developments...stock cars still there = can speedway resume as well? But its just the status quo as far as I can see. One arm Of RCP running the 4 stadiums much as they have done under the guise of the GRA. They have run Plough Lane into the ground and will continue to do so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Stadia Posted July 18, 2013 Report Share Posted July 18, 2013 A further update on the Wimbledon Stadium saga from the Racing Post: http://www.racingpos...aggart/1320150/ Fair play, Mr Taggart is determined, he's like a dog with a bone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brujas Espanolas Posted July 18, 2013 Report Share Posted July 18, 2013 ......But the key now is to keep an eye on Wimbledon Stadium developments...stock cars are still there - can speedway resume as well...... Because of its location, those in the know suggest that stockcars at Wimbledon has a very short shelf life. Since the introduction of the London Emissions Zone, there has been a steady decline in the numbers of drivers booking in, as costs are making it prohibitive. Indeed it's been suggested that the stadium improvements at Foxhall have been done to accommodate more car racing when Spedeworth pull the plug at Plough Lane. On a personal level I would love to see AFC Wimbledon playing again at Plough Lane, which would be a fantastic reward for those loyal Dons fans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Stadia Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 Because of its location, those in the know suggest that stockcars at Wimbledon has a very short shelf life. Since the introduction of the London Emissions Zone, there has been a steady decline in the numbers of drivers booking in, as costs are making it prohibitive. Indeed it's been suggested that the stadium improvements at Foxhall have been done to accommodate more car racing when Spedeworth pull the plug at Plough Lane. On a personal level I would love to see AFC Wimbledon playing again at Plough Lane, which would be a fantastic reward for those loyal Dons fans. Actually, that may help Speedway. One of the stumbling blocks for speedway returning at Plough Lane has been the tarmac stock car track. With stocks gone, tarmac can go and shale put down. Do I detect a spy/traitor within this thread? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Stadia Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 Not so far as I can see. Most comments seem to be set on the future of Wimbledon Stadium generally? I was referring to the poster who made the following comment:- On a personal level I would love to see AFC Wimbledon playing again at Plough Lane, which would be a fantastic reward for those loyal Dons fans. But it was supposed to be a joke, but like most of my jokes, has fallen flat! LOL! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seanmuffe Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 Because of its location, those in the know suggest that stockcars at Wimbledon has a very short shelf life. Since the introduction of the London Emissions Zone, there has been a steady decline in the numbers of drivers booking in, as costs are making it prohibitive. Indeed it's been suggested that the stadium improvements at Foxhall have been done to accommodate more car racing when Spedeworth pull the plug at Plough Lane. On a personal level I would love to see AFC Wimbledon playing again at Plough Lane, which would be a fantastic reward for those loyal Dons fans. would certainly answer the question why would they bother to invest that heavily? Next question is there scope for increased usage? On a personal level I would like to see both "Dons" back in Plough Lane however forlorn that hope is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seanmuffe Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 That can never happen: football and speedway are 'estranged bed fellows'. Basically, football clubs do not like speedway tracks round their piches. That sadly can happen but it has worked and still does ...........sometimes they need each other...........the hard bit is pointing it out to them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brujas Espanolas Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 Thanks. I agree - that comment about AFC Wimbledon - ('darlings of Merton Council'?) was rather unexpected! I think if AFC Wimbledon are now the "darlings of Merton Council", then it is something that's long overdue. In the past the council have treated the football fans of Wimbledon pretty shabbily, so hopefully they plan to redress the balance. Remember Wimbledon were a first division / premier league team in 1991, when their owner decided to move them across London to Crystal Palace. Then in 2002, as a Championship team (2nd tier of English football) they were reallocated to Milton Keynes. So what did their fans do? Whinge about it on Fans Forums, petition the local council? ......yes of course they did. But some of them were not going to be beaten. They got off their backsides and did something about it. They formed a new club, and joined a league in the 9th tier of English football. Through sheer hard work they fought their way back to regain their league status. All this with little or no support from the local council. So personally I think those AFC Wimbledon fans deserve the right to play once again in the borough, and to have a Plough Lane address would be magical. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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