BL65 Posted June 21, 2017 Report Share Posted June 21, 2017 In 1960 Birmingham ran a short season of 9 meetings at the Alexander Stadium, the long time home of the Brummies until 1957. It was reported after the season ended that the the speedway promotion had negotiated an agreement to pay a rent of £100 per meeting to Birchfield Harriers. The athletics club may have welcomed the extra income, but scored an own goal in agreeing the deal. Instead of just accepting the rental the club should have ensured the speedway promoters contributed to General Rates as well, but apparently overlooked this potential liability. When the Valuation Office caught up with the increased use of the stadium it increased the Rateable Value and the city council were obliged to issue a revised bill for the year. The rates bill went up from around £400 for athletics use to around £1,500 for the combined use with speedway. So, the athletics club were faced with a bill for an extra £1,100 as a result of receiving a rental income of £900, a £200 own goal. I recall that the increase may have been reduced on appeal though. It was also reported that as a result of the rates increase the Harriers were not prepared to allow speedway in 1961. Speedway promoters Doug Ellis and Phil Hart were said to have offered to contribute to the rates liability, but as this was unlikely to change matters they were rumoured to be looking at moving to the Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium, the future home of the Brummies from 1971 to 1983. Does anyone have any further information on these dealings? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.