Friday 13 November 2009

MEDIA RESPONSE: 8,000 SIGN PETITION TO SAVE WREXHAM FC'S RACECOURSE



From the Daily Post:





A PETITION to save Wrexham FC’s historic Racecourse ground has netted more than 8,000  signatures.
But organisers only have until next Spring to reach their target of 10,500 supporters. 
The numbers rose above 8,300 as organisers of the Red Passion website met with  local MP Ian Lucas in Westminster this week.
Mr Lucas joined their campaign, geared towards making sure the stadium is specifically identified by  Wrexham County Council as an area to be used only for leisure, before the county’s LDP (Local  Development Plan) is drawn up early next year.
Council chiefs vowed to take their petition on board when drawing-up the LDP, as supporters want assurances  the ground will never be demolished in favour  of an alternative development.
Petition organisers argue that if the Racecourse was lost it would have a huge impact on the town.
One of the authors told the Daily Post: “Our target is 10,500 signatures, which is  the current reduced capacity of the Racecourse ground while the Kop end is closed due to the  student housing development.
“The petition currently totals 8,347 signatures, and that includes ex-players from  Wrexham FC and football fans from the UK and abroad.”
He added: “Sadly the football club have appeared keen to distance themselves from the petition  and have declined our invitations to support it or comment on it publicly.”
Mr Lucas reinforced their appeal, adding: “One of the  main things people associate with Wrexham is its football team and the Racecourse stadium – it really  is known around the world.
“That’s why I am delighted to back what is a grassroots fans’ campaign. I am also hoping to encourage other MPs to add  their backing to the campaign.”
Their concerns came as we reported yesterday how the £40m Wrexham Village development,  which now owns the club, is on course to be built by next July.
Meanwhile, Wrexham council revealed how the emerging Wrexham Local Development Plan (LDP) will  eventually replace the current Wrexham Unitary Development Plan (UDP) and become the key framework for future development in the county.
They said the current adopted UDP does not contain a policy specifically referring to the Racecourse  by name, but does contain general policies to protect all important community facilities, including  sports grounds, which are applicable to the Racecourse.
A planning spokesman told the petition organisers they will bring their grievances to the attention of the Planning Policy Panel, overseeing the preparation of the LDP.
If the plan does not provide the Racecourse ground with the level of protection fans think is appropriate they will have the opportunity to submit a formal objection during the six  week statutory consultation period.
Lawrence Isted, Chief Planning Officer, added: “The council fully appreciates the strong feelings among many people in Wrexham regarding the future of the Racecourse  and we will give the matter careful consideration in the deliberations on the LDP.”
Nobody from Wrexham FC was available at the time of going to press, and on previous  occasions when asked for a stance on the petition they have said they wished to make no comment on the matter.
To sign the petition visit www.redpassion.co.uk




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Thursday 12 November 2009

MEDIA RESPONSE: MP BACKS BID TO PROTECT WREXHAM'S RACECOURSE GROUND



From the Leader:



WREXHAM MP Ian Lucas has added his backing to a campaign by Wrexham fans to protect The Racecourse.

Mr Lucas is to sign a petition calling for the ground to be safeguarded as part of Wrexham Council’s local development plan.

Organisers of the petition set a target of 10,500 signatures – one name for every seat in the stadium – and so far it has rattled up a total in excess of 8,300 names.

The petition – set up by Wrexham supporters on the RedPassion website – asks for The Racecourse to be “clearly identified in the LDP as an area which is protected and reserved for leisure activities, in particular in its role as the football stadium in North Wales for hosting international sporting events and major cultural programmes.”

Mr Lucas said: “The Racecourse is a historic venue and has been used as a stadium since 1877.

“When I explain that I am Wrexham’s MP, one of the main things people associate with the town is its football team and The Racecourse – it really is known around the world.

“That is why I am delighted to back what is a grassroots fans’ campaign, and to encourage other supporters of Wrexham FC to sign this petition.

“I am also hoping to encourage other Members of Parliament to add their backing to the campaign.

“While the team itself may have its ups and downs, ensuring it remains at The Racecourse is vital.”

The petition is available to sign at www.petitiononline.com/LDPWFC21/petition.html.

The chairman of Wrexham FC has had his say about the possibility of the club’s training facilities being used by an international football team as part of the 2012 Olympics.

Geoff Moss said proposals are being drawn up involving Wrexham Council where the football club and Glyndwr University could play a part in helping visiting Olympians prepare themselves for competition at the highest level.

If the plans come to fruition it could mean Colliers Park training ground in Gresford, the Racecourse, as well as facilities such as the student accommodation being built at Glyndwr University would be utilised by the athletes.

Mr Moss said: “This is a very exciting proposal and it would be a huge honour for the area if it gets the go-ahead.

“There is work which has to be completed before then and we need as much support as possible.”









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