UPDATE 4th March 2004

!!! VICTORY AT LIVERPOOL !!!

We are very happy to bring you the article below from the Racing Post.

Many thanks to everyone who sent letters/messages to the Liverpool City councillors opposing the proposed stadium. There is no doubt that the correspondence they received played a significant part in the rejection of the GRA's planning application.

We will vigorously oppose any future attempts by the GRA, or anybody else, to develop greyhound stadiums.The greatest concern of local residents who opposed the stadium wasn't noise, but the anti-social behaviour of those attending greyhound races.

Sadly, the statement by Annette Crosbie leaves much to be desired. No greyhound racetrack is acceptable, no matter what measures might "be taken to ensure the welfare of racing greyhounds". Every dog track creates a demand for more greyhounds to be bred, meaning that yet more dogs will be put to death when they are no longer wanted by the greyhound racing industry.

GRA calls time on its Liverpool track bid

Published: 28/02/2004 (Greyhound News) Jonathan Kay

THE GRA has admitted defeat in the bid to bring greyhound racing back to Liverpool after a gap of over 30 years after difficulties securing the necessary planning permission, writes Jonathan Kay.

The sport's biggest promoters were hoping to develop a site in the Fazakerley area, a move which would have seen greyhound racing return to the area for the first time since the closure of the White City stadium, Anfield, in 1973.

Managing director Clive Feltham yesterday issued a statement: "The GRA has today withdrawn from the project to develop a greyhound stadium in Liverpool. In June 2003, the planning committee unanimously turned down our application despite the fact that the local authority planning department recommended approval.

"The application had been invited by the city on the basis that it would be a regeneration of a run down area."We have taken extensive advice since this decision on the merits of an appeal, and the conclusion is, that this was unlikely to be successful in the format we required.

"The GRA remains committed to the purchase or development of further greyhound stadiums and will now explore other opportunities."

The GRA was seeking permission for a multi-use stadium which would also have included speedway and stock car racing and a local campaign was launched against the project on noise grounds.

Just prior to last June's vote, leading welfare campaigner Annette Crosbie also spoke out against the application, saying: "If the planning committee accepts the recommendation to go ahead with the proposal as it stands, the decision will sadly tarnish Liverpool's reputation as a European Capital of Culture in 2008.

"In a truly cultured city, measures should be taken to ensure the welfare of racing greyhounds was central to the design and construction of any racetrack."

Read on to discover more about the history of this campaign

"Plans for Liverpool track have been thrown out."

This is true, but the developers have now appealed click here to find out the latest info and how you can help.

Article from Liverpool Daily Post below. Our heartfelt thanks to all those who send letters/messages to the Liverpool City councillors opposing the plans. This is the third time in four years that proposals to build another major greyhound stadium in England have failed. We will keep our ears to the ground about any attempt by the Greyhound Racing Association to appeal the decision and will mount a campaign to fight this, if and when it happens.

Liverpool Daily Post Jun 25 2003

Stadium that's already gone to the dogs

by Clare Usher And Sarah Kirwan, Daily Post

DREAMS of bringing greyhound racing back to Liverpool have been dashed by city planners. The council yesterday threw out plans to build a stadium in Higher Lane, Fazakerley, after protests from residents.

The £6.5m two-tier venue was earmarked for the 3.7 hectare site of the derelict Clifford Holroyde School, in Fazakerley. But the council's planning committee turned down the scheme after hearing more than 1,000 residents had signed a petition and submitted letters opposing it.

Project leader, the Greyhound Racing Association, last night vowed to appeal against the decision. The stadium would have had a capacity of 2,000 seated spectators with a further 1,000 standing.

Yesterday, dozens of protesters descended on Liverpool Town Hall to hear the planning committee reject the proposals. Opponents listed noise pollution and increased traffic as the main problems but concerns were also raised about animal welfare.

Actress Annette Crosbie, who is president of the League Against Cruel Sports, was among those who spoke against the stadium. Speaking after the meeting, the former One Foot In The Grave star said: "To listen to the people is fantastic, they have all worked so hard and to win out over such rich business as GRA, it is wonderful."

Liberal Democrat councillor Richard Roberts said: "It is a welcome decision but it is only the first hurdle, we now have to fight the appeal."

Chairman of the planning committee Lady Doreen Jones said: "We are not dealing with gambling or animal rights, and although all political parties are as one, it is not a political issue either.

"The applicant has failed to adequately demonstrate any need for the development in this area. There is not enough public transport and not sufficient accessibility other than by private means."

Greyhound Racing Association spokesman Michael Raper said: "We are terribly disappointed. "We feel it's not about planning but just that the local council wasn't prepared to put their neck on the block.

Background - The history of the campaign.