Lord Lipsey(bgrb)press Release In Relation to Stow
Dave Smith (essex)
United Kingdom
16 May 2008 19:28
STATEMENT FROM LORD DAVID LIPSEY, CHAIRMAN OF THE BGRB, IN RESPONSE TO TODAY’S ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE DIRECTORS OF WALTHAMSTOW STADIUM
16th MAY 2008
Following today’s news of the forthcoming closure of Walthamstow Greyhound Stadium, Lord David Lipsey Chairman of the British Greyhound Racing Board, said:
“Everyone with an interest in greyhound racing will miss the unique sense of style with which Walthamstow Stadium has hosted greyhound racing. Away from the very centre of London, its famous neon frontage has become one of the capital's most recognised landmarks.
“While no-one who follows events at Walthamstow will be hugely surprised by this very sad news, it is a great pity to lose one of the sport's flagship venues at a time when attendances at other stadia appear to be increasing. This demonstrates the difficulty of making a decent return from greyhound racing on city development sites - and therefore strengthens the need to improve greyhound racing's public appeal and economic success
“I am pleased that the Chandler family have given supporters of the track time to be able to say their 'goodbyes' before locking the gates for the last time.
“BGRB Welfare Officer Peter Laurie and Welfare Committee Chairman John Haynes will be making arrangements to visit the stadium early next week to discuss how the welfare of the dogs will be safeguarded. The BGRB Trainers Assistance Fund keeps a reserve to help in instances of track closure, although we hope that given this period of notice, many will find opportunities to continue training at other tracks.
“My sympathies go out to the owners, trainers and kennel staff connected to the track, to all the staff, the track bookmakers and by no means least of all, the race goers who have helped make greyhound racing at Walthamstow the wonderful experience it is and always has been.”
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Sam O'Donoghue
United Kingdom
16 May 2008 19:33
Well thats ok then?
What a waste of time,he should be plugged into the neon sign and left to hang there,the bloke is a disgrace and a self serving prat.
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Steven Maguire
Ireland
16 May 2008 19:44
sad day for greyhound racing best track in BRITAIN
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