Bid to protect speedway from development welcomed
Rugby Borough Council submitted a proposal as part of its Local Plan to support the restoration of Brandon Stadium in Coventry for speedway or stock car racing, as well as other motorsports and community uses.
The council said planning permission at the former site of the Coventry Bees racing team would not be granted for any schemes that conflict with that.
Wayne Roberts from the site's former racing team said the council's "forward thinking" had offered some "renewed hope".
"We've had so many false dawns so to have the council supporting bringing the stadium back and keeping, it's what people need," he said.
"There's so many stock car people that desperately want Brandon back so they can do racing - we need the stadium so we can have some entertainment."
The Coventry Bees stopped racing at the stadium, which is currently derelict, in 2016, after failing to reach a deal.
The stadium's owners Brandon Estates previously planned to build 124 homes and football pitch with a pavilion, on the site off Rugby Road, but the plans to demolish the speedway for housing were rejected in January 2024.
A public consultation on the council's proposal is open until 19 May.
Jeff Davies from the campaign group Save Coventry Speedway and Stox (SCS) said gaining more voices to back the authority's plan was "critical" for the site.
"We would like to get people who support the restoration of the stadium and the return of the sport to write to the council and state their support for this policy."
He said despite how long it had been since the stadium last opened, he believed there would still be a big appetite for the sport.
"We've seen what's happened in Oxford, their stadium closed for 15 years and reopened in 2022, the teams there now have the biggest attendance in the country.
"It's a sign that people don't know what they've lost until it's gone. They came back in their thousands."
Mr Davies added that he was "absolutely sure" it would be the same case in Coventry.
Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Deadline passes for speedway stadium appeal
Plans to demolish speedway stadium rejected
Speedway stadium's fate to be decided next year
Rugby Borough Council
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
08-08-2025
- Yahoo
How cycling is providing hope to Rwanda's female riders
Olivia Maniragena has been racing through life, dealing with a lot at a young age. Orphaned at 14 and responsible for raising three siblings, she also became a mother of two before reaching 20. Now 21, the Rwandan has found stability through cycling and is gearing up for the UCI Road World Championships in her homeland next month, where she is hoping to compete in the inaugural women's Under-23 race. For Maniragena, life on two wheels has always meant a level of freedom. She first learned how to ride a bike at the age of seven, and over the years cycling became more than just a skill. It became her means of survival. "Cycling helped me take care of my family. Fetching water, collecting firewood, running errands and as a mode of transport," Maniragena tells BBC Sport Africa when discussing her early life. "It brings me happiness. When I ride, it takes away my anxiety and my depression." But her freedom was short-lived. Following the death of her mother in 2013 and her father five years later, she struggled to support herself despite taking on various jobs and fell pregnant twice in her teens. "I believed the father of my children would be my support system, but after three years, just after our second baby, he left," she recalls. "I was left to care for my three siblings and my two children alone. Life was hard." Finding purpose on two wheels Maniragena's journey into elite cycling began when she joined Bikes for Future, an all-female team backed by humanitarian group Plan International and Learn Work Develop (LWD), a non-profit organisation implementing the scheme The initiative seeks to challenge gender stereotypes and empower young Rwandan women through sport. "What makes Olivia unique is her determination," says her coach Niyonsaba Elidad. "She knows what she wants. Every time we train, she gives it her all." Women's cycling in Rwanda is still in its infancy and often marginalised in a sport long viewed as the domain of men. "In the past, if a girl was seen riding a bike, people would ridicule her. They would say, 'You are not a boy, why are you cycling?'" explains Mbabazi Fillette, programs and partnership manager at LWD. "If they saw a young girl getting a bike and riding it, it would be an abomination. "We're proving that girls can not only ride, but also compete at the highest level." At the Bugesera Cycling Centre, Maniragena has gained more than racing skills. She has also mastered bike mechanics. "I can dismantle and reassemble a bike in five minutes," she says. "It's something I truly value. It brought back the hope I had lost in my life." While other members of the 30-strong team have specialised in things like welding, tailoring and communications, Maniragena's trade has become her financial lifeline. "What keeps me going is knowing I can earn an income. "On a good day in the bike shop, I make about $7. When I race, I can earn even more." But financial barriers continue to pose a significant challenge. A decent racing bike costs between 60,000 and 150,000 Rwandan francs (approximately $42 to $104) - an unattainable amount for many from low-income backgrounds. Despite these obstacles, the passion for cycling among Rwanda's youth continues to grow. Growth in women's cycling In just 15 months Maniragena has transformed from a novice rider to a local champion, winning races in the Rwanda Youth Racing Cup. Her rapid rise has sparked hopes that she could one day stand on the podium in national colours. "I see Olivia as a future champion," her coach Elidad predicts with pride. "She has the talent to compete at an elite level. She just needs the right opportunities and support." If Maniragena and her team-mates at the Road World Championships miss out on the start list for the U23 race, they will instead take part in a social race linked to the event. "I see growth. I can't wait to see more women competing," says Fillette with excitement. "This is a huge opportunity for my country." Sportswashing claims As Rwanda prepares to act as host, international tensions have eased on its border following a declaration of principles between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group. The deal, signed in Qatar last month, aims to stop hostilities in eastern Congo. The conflict has strained relations between the DRC and Rwanda, with the latter denying accusations, including from the United Nations, that it backs M23. In hosting the Road World Championships, alongside other major events, some critics have accused Rwanda of 'sportswashing' - the process of investing in sport to enhance a nation's global image. The UCI has vehemently denied such claims when asked about its decision to choose Rwanda, pointing to the country's strong cycling tradition, with the gruelling Tour du Rwanda held annually since 1988. Those running the Bikes for Future project, which was launched to capitalise on Rwanda's role as the first African nation to host the Road World Championships, agree there are greater benefits. "There's now a stronger belief that bicycles can change lives," says Solomon Tesfamariam, Plan International's director for Rwanda. "Our focus is to engage and support more girls, and cycling is becoming increasingly popular among women." For Maniragena and her team-mates, it has certainly created fresh ambitions. "We want to be champions," she says. "One day, we want to race among the world's best." No plans to move world cycling event away from Rwanda Cyclists 'felt safe' in Rwanda despite security concerns
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Yahoo
Real Madrid outline their plans for Jude Bellingham after surgery
Real Madrid have drawn up a clear recovery plan for Jude Bellingham, who is preparing to undergo shoulder surgery in the coming days. According to a report from SPORT, the English midfielder will go under the knife this week, after taking a short break for a holiday. If everything goes as planned, Bellingham could return to training by mid-October. Advertisement Bellingham has been dealing with this shoulder issue since late 2023. For over a year and a half, he has played with protective support around his shoulder to stop the joint from slipping out of place during matches. This has meant avoiding physical clashes with opponents and managing pain while still performing at the highest level. The problem involves the head of the humerus slipping from the socket, which is not only painful but also affects his movement during games. Three to four months of recovery expected Bellingham will undergo surgery this week. (Photo by) Doctors are planning to repair Bellingham's ligaments in the least invasive way possible. If recent medical scans confirm there is no damage to the bone, surgeons are likely to perform arthroscopic surgery. Advertisement This type of procedure is considered safe, minimally invasive, and usually has a high success rate. After the surgery, Bellingham's shoulder will need to be immobilised for at least one month. He will have to wear a sling during this period to help the area heal properly. Recovery is expected to take around three months, although full confidence and match fitness may take up to four months. If all goes well, Bellingham will resume training with Real Madrid in mid-October. His return to competitive matches will depend not only on his physical recovery but also on overcoming the mental barrier of playing without discomfort after so long carrying the injury.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
Bid to protect speedway from development welcomed
Campaigners have welcomed proposals to give a former speedway stadium more protection from development. Rugby Borough Council submitted a proposal as part of its Local Plan to support the restoration of Brandon Stadium in Coventry for speedway or stock car racing, as well as other motorsports and community uses. The council said planning permission at the former site of the Coventry Bees racing team would not be granted for any schemes that conflict with that. Wayne Roberts from the site's former racing team said the council's "forward thinking" had offered some "renewed hope". "We've had so many false dawns so to have the council supporting bringing the stadium back and keeping, it's what people need," he said. "There's so many stock car people that desperately want Brandon back so they can do racing - we need the stadium so we can have some entertainment." The Coventry Bees stopped racing at the stadium, which is currently derelict, in 2016, after failing to reach a deal. The stadium's owners Brandon Estates previously planned to build 124 homes and football pitch with a pavilion, on the site off Rugby Road, but the plans to demolish the speedway for housing were rejected in January 2024. A public consultation on the council's proposal is open until 19 May. Jeff Davies from the campaign group Save Coventry Speedway and Stox (SCS) said gaining more voices to back the authority's plan was "critical" for the site. "We would like to get people who support the restoration of the stadium and the return of the sport to write to the council and state their support for this policy." He said despite how long it had been since the stadium last opened, he believed there would still be a big appetite for the sport. "We've seen what's happened in Oxford, their stadium closed for 15 years and reopened in 2022, the teams there now have the biggest attendance in the country. "It's a sign that people don't know what they've lost until it's gone. They came back in their thousands." Mr Davies added that he was "absolutely sure" it would be the same case in Coventry. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Deadline passes for speedway stadium appeal Plans to demolish speedway stadium rejected Speedway stadium's fate to be decided next year Rugby Borough Council
