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16th February 2006: Site Search Almost Complete

The consultants search process for a potential new speedway site is now almost complete. A list of around ten locations remain workable, although none are without their own problems which would still need be addressed. Half of the sites, which are spread over the boroughs of Dudley and Sandwell, appear to hold more likely possibilities than the rest and there is a combination of new and revisited sites being explored.

The final task, which is already underway, involves contacting landowners and addressing potential planning issues to finally decide whether any of the sites are suitable to stage speedway racing. Although one of the first choice locations now appears to have been crossed from the list, due to a change of heart by the owner of the land, it is still hoped that a planning application will eventually be submitted for what is deemed to be the most feasible location.

Bob Edwards, on behalf of CRASH, has been pleased with further positive developments to assist the search. An exchange of lengthy emails has led to constructive dialogue with Councillor Les Jones, Dudley's cabinet member for economic regeneration, and opposition Councillors John Davies and Shaukat Ali have also offered their support. Completing cross-party political backing, Lib Dem councillor Dave Tyler remains particularly encouraging and proactive.

In recent months, Council chiefs at Dudley had been fully co-operative in allowing consultants to explore designated employment sites in the area and now Sandwell's Council Leader, Bill Thomas, has also been extremely helpful in extending the same authorisation for similar sites in the neighbouring borough.

 

5th January 2006: New Year Site Search Update

The search for a potential new site for the return of Cradley Speedway has stepped up another gear with the next phase of the consultants process. Bob Edwards has provided a detailed update on the current situation;

The first phase of the exercise was completed by Steven Abbott Associates quite a while ago. They produced a report which recommends what they call a "sequential approach". Under all existing guidance and legislation the preferred place for a Sports Stadium is in the middle of a town to take advantage of centres of population, other leisure facilities in the area and transport links. The "sequential approach" principle means that you should start off by looking in the most appropriate location and then move on to looking at other options if the need cannot be met there. That is the position at which Checkleys took over and started the search to identify options that may be suitable.

They have done a first class job in contacting all of the major local Landowners and Surveyors and following up the 40 or so leads that we had already identified to whittle the options down to what we feel are genuine possibilities. To date we have had three meetings and a string of correspondence with officials at Dudley MBC, correspondence and a meeting with Sandwell MBC and correspondence with both South Staffs and Bromsgrove Councils. It is fair to say that the most fruitful discussions to date have been with Dudley and Sandwell, which are, after all, the two main areas of search.

Dudley Area
The dealings with Dudley have been more positive than in the past and Andrew Sparke, the Chief Executive, has suggested that we search in some of the designated Employment zones, which is something we have not been allowed to do in the past.

Unfortunately, we will not be able to take forward our first choice, Yorks Park (the Claughton site). The problem here is that a multi million pound European grant was given to clear the site for a specific purpose and to use it for anything else would mean that the rate payers would have to pay it back.

We resurrected enquiries on another two very prominent locations in the town centre but neither of the key players had any desire to see a Stadium incorporated into their proposals. One positive thing to come of these enquiries, though, was that one of the Companies involved has offered to have talks with the Council to identify if there are any other options available in the Borough.

As reported in a number of Press articles, one other site still fits into the "town centre" category. It is the former British Gas site just off Beatties Car Park. Checkleys are currently trying to make contact with a Company, who we believe to be the owners, to establish what their intentions are for the site. Even though it has not been used for years it is not being advertised for sale, which is a bit of a mystery. Throughout this exercise close contact has been maintained with Dudley Town FC who have been strongly linked to it in the Press.

There are another five or so sites within Dudley Borough that Checkleys are following up to establish their suitability, who the owners are and whether they would be prepared to release the land and Tony Mole is taking the lead directly on another location.

Sandwell Area
The Planners at Sandwell have been very helpful and undertook extensive investigations into fourteen suggested sites which were then whittled down to two possibilities. Checkleys are currently establishing ownership of the sites so that they can identify if they are available and Sandwell are being helpful in checking their records to see if they have any information on some specific issues we have raised.

In order to increase the possibility of success, letters have written to Bill Thomas, the Leader of the Council, to see if he is prepared to match Dudley's offer and allow us to look in some of their Employment Zones. A number of our original fourteen sites were ruled out on this basis.

In summary, Bob concludes “I think we have made some significant progress over the last few months in identifying some sites that may be real options but there is still plenty more to do before we can be optimistic of getting what we all want. I would like to wish a Happy New Year to all the Heathens out there and if you get the chance please follow the threads on the Fans Forum and support the Brummies Planning Application. It would be great to see them back and any success they have can only help our cause.”

A huge thanks to Bob for the full update as well as our enormous debt of gratitude to Bob, Tony Mole, Tim Senior at Checkleys, and all others involved in continuing their hard work behind the scenes.

30th October 2005: Site Search Goes Full Steam Ahead

Bob Edwards updated the gathered Cradley fans at Club CH's Spirit of '95 Evening with the latest developments in the ongoing site search for a new stadium location. With the consultants process well underway and constructive dialogue opened with Dudley Council, there was a positive feeling to the news. Dudley Council have promised to review all of their previous refusals of the 40 sites, suggested in the past by CRASH. And furthermore, having looked at a variety of new and old potential sites, there is a growing confidence that a planning application will be submitted at the end of the consultants work. The exact site of first choice depends on further progress still to come, but at least one potential piece of land has been identified. There is now some emphasis on Dudley Council to assist in either finding somewhere even better, or to support the future planning development with the site already identified. 

3rd October 2005: Healthy Discussion at Council House Meeting

A meeting was held at Dudley Council House at the end of September to discuss the site search, how CRASH’s Consultants, Checkley & Co, will liaise with Dudley Council in the coming weeks and what is required from both sides to make meaningful progress. The meeting was attended by Andrew Sparke Chief Executive of Dudley Council, plus several other planning and regeneration managers at the council and Councillor Dave Tyler. Tony Mole and Bob Edwards represented the hopes of speedway fans, along with David Lanfear of Sport England, while consultants from both Checkleys and Steven Abbot Associates were also involved.

Bob Edwards explained, "With the consultants, developer and Sport England all present, our determination to take this forward in a professional and structured manner and the investment we have made in achieving a solution was clearly demonstrated. The meeting lasted over two hours and there was a good deal of productive discussion and positive outcomes that may help in achieving a succesful conclusion."

All parties acknowledged the part that Cradley Heath Speedway had played in the history of the Borough and the positive role that it could play in the future in helping to provide a focal point for the community. All acknowledged that there was no perfect site for Speedway in the Borough, and Bob Edwards pointed out that, to be successful, we will need the Council to make a positive decision in favour of sport, supporting our need against whatever counter arguments there may be in terms of planning designations. In the past, the Council had been very protective regarding certain land designations within the Borough. They said that they were now prepared to take a more flexible view in some locations, if circumstances permitted. This is helpful in widening the scope for Checkleys’ search.

The Council agreed to contact neighbouring Sandwell Council (another of our key search areas) and set up a joint meeting with Checkleys to help clarify the areas where the search may be most productive. They also agreed to review some of the decisions they had taken previously to establish if anything had changed, which would allow a more flexible approach. A number of specific sites were discussed and throughout the meeting there was lots of positive comment, with both sides making positive offers that will help the position of the other in terms of agreeing a solution.

There have been instances in the past where everything proposed has met with a complete rejection by Dudley Council. It appears promising that this meeting was far more positive than that and it is hoped that all parties can now work together successfully to achieve a result.

8th September 2005: Hopes dashed for Yorks Park Site

An announcement is expected this week with the news that the latest potential stadium site in Dudley has been sold by the council as a business park.  Cradley fans had crossed their fingers for good news about the Yorks Park site, or former Gilbert Claughton playing fields, after Lib Dem Councillor David Tyler had touted it as an ideal location for a multi-sports stadium to include speedway.  Now, after several years of lying idle, the land appears to have found itself a buyer, which will no doubt leave some supporters angry and disappointed.
 
The timing of the news is surprising given that a meeting had been arranged this month between speedway representatives and senior council officials to discuss the future of the site.  Now it is hoped that Dudley Council will be able to use the meeting to instead offer some other form of assistance to the consultants who have embarked on an investigation into other potential local sites.
 
Already Steven Abbott Associates have completed the first part of the consultants' exercise in issuing their report on the guidance notes of the UDP and regulations affecting the search area.  The next part of the process is in the hands of Checkleys, who are undertaking the detailed search of the area, based on the advice from Steven Abbotts.

14th July 2005: Heathens fans on Sky TV!

Cradley fans were prominent on the terraces at Cowley and had a good plug from Jonathan Green with Kelvin Tatum in Sky TV's studio and with Tony Millard and Steve Johnston commentary.
They all praised the Heathens fans for their fight to keep the club alive and delved well into the history of the club talking of Erik, Jan O Pedersen, Bruce Penhall, Lance King as well as Billy & Greg.
Well done to everyone who went, shame Billy picked up another injury though.

10th July 2005: Heathens fans gathering at Oxford

Cradley fans can descend on Oxford Speedway this Thursday for a chance to watch two Heathens greats in action and at the same time publicise the current search being carried out by consultants for a new track in the Black Country.
The Oxford team is finally featuring both Greg Hancock and Billy Hamill, Cradley's pair of World Champions from the 1990s, after Hamill's long injury lay-off.  With the meeting live on Sky Sports, there will also be a number of Heathens supporters in attendance and the popular 'Track Shop' banner which declares 'Cradley Deserves Speedway Deserves Cradley'.
The event has taken on more significance now as a photo shoot has been arranged with the consultants, Checkleys, for the company to use in the press and trade journals, advertising our requirements in the new site search.  Supporters will congregate around the banner and all Heathens fans are welcome to join the gathering.  It is hoped that both Tim Senior and David Tomlinson of Checkleys will be in attendance to answer any questions or respond to comments that supporters may have regarding the site search, while David Lanfear of Sport England also hopes to be present.
This is an ideal opportunity for anyone wishing to dust off their green and white Cradley colours and visit the Oxford Silver Machine.  For anyone who cannot make it to Cowley, then don't forget to look out for the Heathens supporters live on Sky Sports!

27th June 2005: New site option for speedway
Cradley fans will get a massive boost this week with the news that Dudley Council could consider a new option for a speedway stadium in the local area.  The unexpected opportunity is co-incidentally due to hit the news within a week of contracts being signed for the long awaited consultants site search of the region.  And in a remarkable twist to the campaign, the land in question, at York Park in Dudley, is a site which has been revisited several times by supporters in the past as a potential solution.  Formerly known as Gilbert Claughton, it is seen by fans as ideal in terms of parking, public transport and location.  Dudley Council will now have the chance to ponder their options carefully regarding the land and more news is expected to follow shortly.

1st July 2005:Council & Supporters Reaction to York Park Site

Reaction has been flooding in to the news that York Park in Dudley could be a potential new home for Cradley Speedway.
The site suggestion has been backed by Dudley's Lib Dem Councillor Dave Tyler, spokesman for sport, who admitted that 'Over the years, we have lost vast areas of sporting land and little has been done to replace them.  Sites like this come up very rarely and it would send a very strong message to everyone that Dudley cares about sport.'
The site is seen as ideal for a multi-sports stadium which could incorporate both the Heathens and Dudley Town FC, as well as other sports and leisure facilities.  It's location in the borough is ideal and the transport links are excellent. However, the site has previously been ear-marked for a science and business park, with the land designated for such use in the Unitary Development Plan.  Bob Edwards summed up the prospects, commenting, 'I have difficulty imagining a better site'.  He added that 'for a very long time we have viewed this site as being one of the best possible solutions to our problem.'
The land was also mentioned by several different supporters through this website earlier in the year when site suggestions were requested to precede the current consultants search of the area.

13th June 2005: Site Search Details
 
 The long-awaited consultant-led site search for land on which Cradley Heath Speedway can potentially be resurrected, is now about to get underway.  The process is being jointly funded by Sport England and supporters group CRASH (Cradley Raising Aid Saving Heathens) and is widely viewed as 'make or break' time in the ongoing campaign to see the Heathens back on track.

Bob Edwards, acting on behalf of CRASH has worked with potential developer and speedway promoter Tony Mole, as well as the professional consultants who will be employed to carry out the search. He explains for the web site: "We have decided to engage Steven Abbott Associates, who are Sport England's Planning experts and who represented them at the two Dudley Wood Planning Inquiries, and Checkleys, who are Birmingham based Surveyors with experience of Speedway related projects. The aim is to start the exercise on Monday 20/6/05 with a view to completion between the end of September and mid October."

The search itself will comprise four elements: 
1    Steven Abbott Associates will examine all the relevant national, regional and local planning guidance and provide a report outlining the likely advantages and disadvantages of pursuing various lines of enquiry. This information will be fed through to Checkley & Co.
2    Checkley & Co will then conduct the site search and raise any options identified with the relevant Council and obtain their feedback.
3    Steven Abbott Associates will remain contracted to CRASH to carry out further investigation on any sites turned down and to submit further more detailed representations to the Councils concerned where required.
4    Both Consultants will work together to provide a final report which will, hopefully, identify sites that can be taken forward.
Two lengthy preparatory meetings have been attended by all parties, in order to avoid duplication of effort and unnecessary fees. The opportunity was also taken to examine the list of all sites already identified, including those suggested via this web site. The latter has been helpful in targeting a number of specific options and wider search areas for further investigation. If there are any final nominations for sites however, there is still time for them to be considered. Send your suggestion to the email address: sitesearch@cradleyspeedway.co.uk
With a final note of caution, Bob has added: "One thing to bear in mind is that it would be very unwise of us to give any site specific information in any updates on the web site as it would either alert other developers (and you don't have to guess too hard who I mean here!) to what we have found or it may highlight our options to owners who may try to exploit the situation in any negotiations. Having, said that I will try to provide some information as the process unwinds. Time to cross our fingers and hope. You can rest assured that the consultants will be giving it their best shot."
 

6th May 2005: Dudley Council Disgrace
 
 The leader of Dudley Council has angered Heathens fans and the wider speedway community this week with the shock publication of comments about a potential return for the Black Country club.

Councillor David Caunt has labelled speedway racing as a bad neighbour and slammed current hopes of finding a new site for the sport in the Dudley borough.  Showing himself as completely out of touch with his own council and local population, as well as having a gross misunderstanding of the facts, he also told the Halesowen News that 'There is no way that the speedway track at Cradley Heath can be re-instated - it has planning permission for housing', referring of course to the former Dudley Wood stadium which has long since had houses erected.

On the present and future prospects for the club, the councillor continued; 'The last I heard of this group [CRASH] is that they were looking for a new site and having been doing so for the last few years I doubt if they will find one.  In the past they have had the help of the Planning Department but have failed to find anything suitable. I have not received anything from them for quite some time and certainly not had any lobbying e-mails in the last couple of years.'

'I suspect they have little hope of now getting back in business. If they find a site then they will have to get the money together for the development of it and get planning permission.  I can imagine the uproar that will break out once they apply as they could never be described as good neighbours.'

Most Cradley Heath fans will recognise that the necessary finances are in place to develop a new stadium, backed by promoter Tony Mole, and the funding has been secured to facilitate a consultant-led site search of the area in association with Sport England, which is due to get underway imminently.  Bob Edwards responded first on behalf of supporters to point out that Dudley Council had helped to draw up a business plan to prove the reintroduction of the sport would be viable, adding that Councillor Caunt was 'out of touch with what his people are doing'.  Even the Unitary Development Plan drawn up by the council supports the reintroduction of speedway as a high profile sport to the area and the same council recently agreed to a change in the way noise was measured for speedway racing to support future planning applications.

As Councillor Caunt claims not to have received any communication from speedway fans recently, perhaps implying a lack of interest, you may wish to politely remind him of your views at the following email address: cllr.david.caunt@dudley.gov.uk
 

8th May 2005: CRASH Response & Site Search Update

Supporters organisation CRASH have responded to the comments by Dudley Council leader, David Caunt, and provided an update on the positive search for a new speedway site in the local area.

Spokesman Bob Edwards explained; 'The reason that we have never been an "in your face" campaigning group is that Dudley Council's Chief Executive Andrew Sparke spoke to us very early on and stated that they wanted to work with us to identify a mutually acceptable site. They were very conscious of the level of public support (a 32,000 name petition for starters) and aware that they could be seen in an unfavourable light if they had to reject a planning application. Since then we have conducted ourselves in a very professional manner and supporters have been extremely patient in keeping their frustrations under control.'

The council made several stipulations, all of which have been addressed. CRASH were told; to find a credible backer - and did so by enlisting developer and promoter Tony Mole; to prepare a business plan - which was completed after nine months of hard work; to acquire the support of Sport England - which has been successfully achieved along with a grant of £7000; and lastly to employ consultants to carry out a professional site search.  This final requirement is currently about to get underway, following a meeting held yesterday.

Providing a progress report, Bob continues: 'The actual site search has not started yet but there has been plenty of activity in terms of setting everything up. We are planning to engage Checkleys from Birmingham who through one of their partners, David Tomlinson, have already given us a great deal of help in formulating the Business Plan. David is a Speedway Supporter and followed Cradley for several seasons before we had to close. He has also worked on speedway related projects elsewhere. In addition we will be using the services of Alastair Skelton of Steven Abbott Associates from Wigan. This Company are Sport England's planning experts and hold a database of all sport related planning decisions arrived at over a number of years. Alastair also represented Sport England at both public inquiries regarding Dudley Wood.'

'With limited funds, it is essential that there is no costly duplication of effort so a meeting was held on 6 May to ensure that all parties are aware of their respective roles in the exercise.  We believe we have sufficient funds to analyse all the relevant regional and local guidelines, conduct the search, raise options with the relevant Council and challenge any decisions that we are not happy with.  The suggestions coming through have been a big help. There are some old chestnuts there (and there is no harm in revisiting them), but also some options that have not previously been examined. A big thank you to all who took the trouble to respond.'

'The Council have already agreed to invest officer time in meeting our consultants and helping with the search. They have also agreed to change the way that they will evaluate noise by dispensing with guideline 'BS4142'. Crucially they are committed in their UDP to "encourage and facilitate" the development of a Stadium in the Borough. Councillor Caunt's comments are totally out of step with the progress that has been made with his officials and the commitments the Council have already made.  Over the coming weeks we will be contacting Mr Caunt's planners to introduce our consultants and hope that we can overcome this totally unwarranted outburst and pick up the pieces to resume the professional links that we have worked hard to establish.'


31st March 2005: Ivor Brown
  
 Sadly Cradley Legend Ivor Brown passed away on Wednesday 30th March following a heart attack.
Ivor joined Cradley in 1961 following the closure of Yarmouth, he quickly became Cradley's number one and one of - if not the greatest star of the Provincial League.
During his 8 years in Cradley colours Ivor won almost everything the Provincial League had to offer, he topped the league averages in 1961 and 1962, in 1963 (probably Ivor's best year) he held no fewer than 6 track records!
Unfortunately he suffered terrible injuries to his back following a crash with Ove Fundin at the Internationale at Wimbledon in 1965, he was never the same rider after this agonizing crash.
Ivor was born in the village of Wymswold in Leicestershire where he lived all his life, he was the village postmaster and ran the village store.
Ivor's funeral will take place on Wednesday 6th April - 2.00pm at St Mary's Church, Wymswold, Leicestershire. Any Cradley supporters wishing to pay their respects will be welcome at the service.
The will be no flowers but donations accepted for the Coronary Care Unit, Nottingham Hospital. These can be sent to Swan Funeral Directors, 4 Bridge Street, Loughborough, Leicestershire.

Rest in peace Ivor, thanks for the memories.

21st Feb 2005: Green Light for New Site Search

As the tenth anniversary of the closure of Dudley Wood Stadium approaches, the green light has been given to step up the search for a suitable site to rehouse the Heathens. CRASH (Cradley Raising Aid Saving Heathens) have committed a substantial four figure sum to engage a consultant who will carry out a detailed professional site search to find a site which developers can take forward.

The crucial support of Sport England has been obtained, after the organisation approved the business plan for the reintroduction of speedway to the area. Now the continued support of local people is being called upon to swell the list of suggested sites that can be examined.  A list of around 40 locations has been retained, most of which have previously been presented to the local councils, however these will be added to any new sites for further examination. CRASH estimate that any potential sites will need to be around 7 to 10 acres and anyone having a suggestion for a suitable venue should provide details via the website at the following address: sitesearch@cradleyspeedway.co.uk.

Bob Edwards, on behalf of CRASH said, 'We hope that our continuing discussions with Sport England may lead to additional help and funding and we want to act now to identify as many options as possible for the consultants and the Council to consider. Key to that aim is asking for suggestions from local people, who know this area better than anyone.'

David Lanfear of Sport England added 'We are anxious to ensure that the future of the sport is protected and wherever possible look at positive ways to resolve the loss of provision.  Since the loss of the speedway site we have been impressed by the level of commitment shown in reinstating one of the regions premier clubs.'

If you know of any site which you feel could accommodate a new stadium then send whatever details you can to the dedicated e-mail address. The list will be collated in readiness for a consultants examination of present and future availability.
E-mail: sitesearch@cradleyspeedway.co.uk.
Web site created and maintained by Steve Johnson. E-mail me your comments and suggestions.
The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of Cradley Heath Speedway.
Copyright: Steve Johnson & Cradley Heath Speedway Ltd, 1999-2002.