PETITION STILL GOING!

We may have achieved our aim to Protect The Racecourse in the LDP, but it would be a shame to give up now!

We still want 10,500 signatures - to match the capacity of the Racecourse - and we're nearly there.

So get your mates, family, associates, acquaintances, random strangers whoever to sign the petition now!

Sign it here.





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MEDIA RESPONSE: VICTORY! THE RACECOURSE IS PROTECTED

Well, I'm sure all you Wrexham peeps will be aware now that the Protect The Racecourse petition has succeeded in protecting the world's oldest International football stadium!


A big thank you to everybody who has supported our campaign and who signed our petition. This couldn't have been done without the help and support of a lot of Wrexham supporters, local people and football fans from across the world. Well done!


This is the Daily Post article - and I think we should all recognise the fantastic work the Post has done recently for Wrexham Supporters:

Wrexham FC's Racecourse Ground to be protected

Steve Bagnall 

WREXHAM'S historic Racecourse Ground took a major step forward today to being protected from development.

At a special planning committee meeting councillors recommended the stadium should be safeguarded as a site for sport.

The historic Mold Road ground is joined by three other local sports stadia Queensway, North Wales Tennis Centre, and Bangor on Dee Racecourse as protected sites.

The recommendations of the special planning committee will now got to Wrexham's executive board and the full council for rubber stamping before going to the Welsh Assembly Government for final approval.

And the Leader article:

Future of Wrexham FC's Racecourse ground is safeguarded

Phil Robinson

THE future of Wrexham FC's Racecourse ground has been safeguarded.

Wrexham Council has supported fans' pleas to have The Racecourse formally protected for leisure use in its long-term planning blueprint.

About 9,000 people - including some from as far away as Australia and Canada - have so far signed a petition started by the Red Passion website to have the Mold Road stadium officially safeguarded in the Local Development Plan (LDP).

The LDP suggests the area’s sub-regional sports stadia should be protected from any development which would result in the loss of all or part of the principal use of the sites.

However, although it states in the preamble that protection should extend to The Racecourse - along with Wrexham Tennis Centre, Queensway athletics stadium and Bangor-on-Dee racecourse - it does not name any of them in the main body of the plan.

At a planning committee meeting today (Tuesday, February 16), Brynyffynnon councillor Phil Wynn proposed this loophole should be closed and The Racecourse to be named specifically.

This was approved and a recommendation will now be made to the council’s executive board that the amendment is added to the plan’s final draft.

After six weeks of public consultation the final word on the plan will rest with a Welsh Assembly Government inspector.

One of the petition’s organisers, Toby Clarke, said: “On behalf of the 9,000 people who have so far signed the petition I am delighted at this development.

“It is Red Passion’s belief that the Racecourse should be protected as an important facility for the whole community.

“I am sure famous players from Wrexham’s past would also be very pleased that it will now be formally safeguarded in the LDP.”

Hadyn Taylor, a spokesman for Wrexham Supporters’ Trust, said: “The trust has always backed the Red Passion petition and we are very happy that Phil Wynn was able to get this measure of protection approved by the committee.” 

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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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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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THIS IS THE WINTER OF OUR DISCONTENT

The petition continues to go from strength to strength, as we now sit proudly at 8,199 names - only 2,301 short of our overall target of 10,500.

Credit for this must go to El Poncho, who has driven this campaign forward with the gritty determination of oxen on amphetamine. Bravo!

That is not to neglect, of course, the support we have had from fellow Town fans and from the wider football world. Astounding. Football may be tribal, and therefore often divisive, yet we see, time and time again, football fans standing shoulder to shoulder on issues which transcend our rivalries. We may have witnessed such solidarity before but it never fails to be humbling.

We must reach our target. Can I ask for anybody who hasn't signed the petition yet to do so now, and if you have - ask your mates, family, neighbours, workmates, random people in the street. Anybody with a name, basically.

The petition is here.

One group of people from whom we've felt support has been lacking has been our elected representatives - our councillors, our Assembly Members, our Members of Parliament. Why they have been reluctant to come out in defense of the real jewel in the crown of our humble little town, we do not know.

There are one or two notable exceptions, and we will give the others a little more time to respond before we let our fellow Fanistas know who has helped and who hasn't, but I will take this opportunity to remind our politicians of this - the football club is, in many people's eyes, the town. Supporters' loyalty to their club is unswerving and paramount; they will remember who has supported this campaign, and who hasn't, come polling day.

Just ask Dr John Marek.






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THE BOOK OF REVELATIONS

With thanks to Twitter's Flock Follower for the above information. You can view a copy of the above here.

This document appears to show the sale of the whole or part of the Racecourse to Wrexham Village Ltd, a property development company.

Answers on a postcard.







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BEFORE THE DARK HOUR OF REASON GROWS

Brothers and sisters, as you will be aware, the collective is fond of a wee bit of poetry, and we recently implored the masses to send us their creative babies.


Senor Poncho of Red Passion fame has spoken to his close personal friend Sir John Betjemen, who has kindly penned this wonderful ditty. Sir John and Baron Ponch, we salute you.

A Racecourse Love Song by Sir John Betjeman

My Racecourse, My Racecourse,
Furnish'd and burnish'd by the Wrexham roar,
What magnificent matches you housed before tea,
We in the terraces – peering to see!

Two-thirty, Four-forty, oh! weakness of joys,
The speed of a cross, the catch of ball boys,
With dazzling comradeship, gaily we won,
We weak from your loveliness, our beloved Racecourse sun

Your convivial turnstiles shimmer we walk,
And swing past the turf, buried in talk,
And gate of the Kop that welcomes us in
The six-o'six show and pints when we win.

The glint of your memories, sound of the crowd,
The view from each spot is ever so proud,
Everlasting belches over chips and pie, oh! eye
As we dance in the Cent, and light up the sky!

My Racecourse, My Racecourse
A glimpse from the hills your charming red hue,
Oh! Shankly standing and applauding you!
Oh! Arsenal’s one, and our triumphant two!

Around us the Robins and Dragons are set,
And Psycho soars through the roof of your net,
And here in my sight is the ‘Course of my choice,
With the tilt of your stanchions and the chime of your voice.

My Racecourse, My Racecourse we’re not letting you go ! 
You’ve been slung like confetti and pushed to and fro
How sad are we, they don't give a toss
And leave your kop end covered by moss

And the keen reminisces and words never spoken And the ever present ritual and songs our love token We sit in your shadow prolonging the fun My Racecourse, My Racecourse let the battle be won!

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CLEARLY REDUNDANT

"Clearly redundant".

A strange turn of phrase. What does it mean?

“Development which adversely affects the continued use and development of County-wide and sub-regional indoor or outdoor leisure facilities and sports stadia is not permitted. Enhancement of such facilities is supported provided there is no significant adverse effect on local residential amenity by virtue of noise, floodlighting, car parking, traffic generation or other disturbance."

“The Council’s policy emphasises that their use should be maximised and that change of use or redevelopment of such facilities will be resisted unless they are clearly redundant or their continued use and development would create environmental damage. On the other hand, the enhancement of such facilities is supported provided there are no significant adverse effects on local residential amenity by virtue of noise, floodlighting, car parking, traffic generation, or other disturbance.”

So if the club's owners, whoever that may be, were to move the club out of the stadium prior to applying for planning permission for, let us say, a giant B&Q, then the world famous Racecourse Ground would be redundant, no? Or, perhaps, if the club was to cease to exist altogether...

Yes, a very strange turn of phrase indeed.

If anybody out there is familiar with planning legalese, then please do let us know your thoughts.

You can email us at ProtectTheRacecourse@googlemail.com or you can post in the comments section below.

Before we're all left feeling completely redundant.






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RAGE RAGE AGAINST THE DYING OF THE LIGHT

Following a series of top-level secret meetings in the bunker, the collective have unanimously agreed to invite submissions from our vast readership, which we understand amounts to literally billions of people.

The meetings were intense and emotions were fraught. Without the aid of Red Bull, ephedrine, and a shopping trolley full of stolen Wotsits and Wagon Wheels, I don't think we'd have made it through. Tough times.

Anyway, we implore - nay, beg - our fellow aficionados to submit articles for publication. You can submit prose detailing your favourite Racecourse memories; humorous anecdotes of days gone by; poems; haiku; manifestos for change. Anything really. We're not fussy.

Besides, we could do with a little culture on this rather tawdry and down-market blog.

So, comrades, if any of you feel like penning a few words in homage to the Racecourse, please email us your creative babies at ProtectTheRacecourse@googlemail.com.

To get you in the mood, reproduced below is a short piece from some pompous old windbag on Red Passion. Strikes me as a blatant rip-off of the rhythms and style of Sir Tommy but I'm sure the tosser who wrote it will claim he was merely 'inspired' by the great man. I did say we're not fussy.

It was a winter night

On my way to the 'course

Weaving past people

And a copper on a horse

The horse had shat

On the road

A man in a comedy jesters hat

Approached the copper and moaned

The copper just looked down at him

And said "move along sunshine"

Whilst fondling his bat

-on

I stopped for a fag

And sent a quick text

"You coming the game?

Then we'll go out and get wrecked"

In through the turnstile

£18? You're having a laugh

For a cheap plastic seat

That'll give me a pile

Or three

I couldv'e stayed at home

And had a bath

I meet a mate

And get a beer

£2.70 for warm Carling, which I hate

They saw me coming

The game begins

We lose

We're shit

I feel like I've been mugged

But on the plus side

Wrex The Dragon

Did look quite fit

Off to the pub

For a pint

Or six

As a parrot

Bit shit isn't it? See, if we'll publish this we'll publish anything. Get writing!

Nos da brethren

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TOMMY TAINANT: MAHARISHI OF JACKOLAND

Below is one of Tommy Tainant's finest poetic offerings, reproduced for your delight. For those not in the know, Mr Tainant is Wrexham's number one fan, in addition to being a spiritual guru to the great unwashed, a wordsmith of unchallenged superiority, the greatest Jacko since Twm Sbaen, and the world's foremost unelected but benevolent Great Statesman. We are truly not worthy.


You can follow the spiritual and intellectual endeavors of Mr Tainant (surely it should be Sir Tommy by now) on his wonderful blog, Tommy Tainant's World Of Wonder, here.

Oranges and Carrots are the same colour 

Oranges

are orange.

So are carrots.

Why is “orange”

Orange

And not ”carrot”?

Chesters

Going down

Again.

In truth

Its well

Deserved.

It’s a fact.

They have

Been poor

For several

Years.

But then again,

So have we.

Are they

Wrexham

In disguise?

Or are we

Chester?

Which is the

Carrot?

And which is

The orange?

And who makes

These decisions?

Decisions about

Naming colours.




And A

Or FC.

Or AFC

And so on.

Orange juice

Carrot juice

Orange cake

Carrot cake

Which is which?

Which is Chester?

Questions need answers

Like plants

Need water

But some Questions

Are harder

Than others.

A carrot

Is a carrot

An orange

Is an orange

Wrexham are Wrexham 

And Chester are shit.

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ALL IT TAKES IS FOR GOOD MEN TO DO NOTHING

Some more photos of yesterday's game, courtesy of redstarwxm on twitpic, aka Serencoch on Red Passion.

We may be playing crap football in a crap league but that is one hot mamma of a football ground. Oh yes.

We've lost our industry; our steelworks, our pits, our breweries, our quarries. We've lost the markets, the Miners Institute, the Hippodrome. A walk through Wrexham town centre today is the same as a walk through any town centre anywhere on this poxy little island we call home. Anytown, UK. The Racecourse is one of the few landmarks we have left and we will be damned in hell before we let this one go.

Sign the petition here!

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"EVERY TIME I GO PAST THE RACECOURSE, I GET A SHIVER DOWN MY SPINE"

Queuing controversy at The Racecourse before today's victory against the mighty Grays! Read all about it, here.

Just an excuse to post up a couple of photo's of the world's oldest international football stadium, really. Look at it. Beautiful. Not the queues, of course. Bloody ugly, they are. But the ground, oh the ground. Lovely stuff. Stirring, in fact.

Back on topic, it strikes the collective that if you are going to spend cash money on flash new technology, cash money that will ultimately be paid back by the supporters, with interest of course, then it might be an idea to ensure you actually have the means with which to use the technology. But then, perhaps we're just being Luddites, standing in the way of progress. Ho hum.

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BEFORE ALL ELSE: BE ARMED

Brothers, sisters, Cestrians, lend me your ear...

The petition has thus far been a great success, although more names are still needed.

However, in order to successfully lobby Wrexham County Borough Council, we need as many people to send a letter to WCBC's Chief Planning Officer, Lawrence Isted.

A basic template for a letter can be found here, and the text has been reproduced below:

Attn: Lawrence Isted

Chief Planning Officer

Wrexham County Borough Council

Lambpit Street

PO Box 1290

Wrexham

LL11 1WL

19th October 2009

Re Wrexham Local Development Plan 2006 -2021 Submissions, The Racecourse Ground.

Dear Mr Isted,

I write to you as a member of the Red Passion website community and someone who added my name [number 324] onto the ‘online petition’, seeking inclusion of the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, in the Local Development Plan.

I believe the unique importance of the Racecourse Ground to the borough and the North Wales region as a whole, as confirmed by overwhelming Public Opinion, must require the Racecourse to be named in the LDP, with a specific policy or designation. In addition I believe it should also be covered by general policies of planning for the protection of community and sporting facilities.

Please include this letter as part of the submissions for the LDP process and am assured from your public comments on this matter, you and your fellow council members will be giving this matter your utmost consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Cae Ras

2021, Mold Road

Wrexham

LL21 LDP

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DAVID CONN: SIGN THE PETITION!

Reproduced below is an article written by the crown prince of thoughtful football journalism, David Conn. Conn wrote the article back in July, when the petition to include our venerable old ground in the Local Development Plan was launched. You can read the original article here.

Wrexham fans have launched a petition for the Racecourse Ground to be protected by the local authority from being sold off without a replacement stadium being in place.

Besides being a North Wales sporting home of history, pedigree and now, following investment, some quality, the Racecourse Ground is also a symbol for all football fans of the need to protect clubs and their grounds from speculators seeking to make money out of them.

In 2005, Wrexham's administrator, David Acland of Begbies Traynor, won a crucial battle to have the ground saved from the bulldozers and returned to the club. It had been transferred to the ownership of a property developer, Alex Hamilton, who had bought the club for £50,000 and was threatening very seriously to throw the club off the site and sell it for retail. Hamilton, and his then partner, Mark Guterman, bought into Wrexham to make money out of the land the ground stood on - and they even signed an agreement to that effect.

"The management and control of the football club is to be on an equal control basis," their agreement stated, "with the main or sole objective to realise the maximum potential gain from the property assets of the football club for the benefit of [Mr Hamilton] and [Mr Guterman]."

I wrote a full account of the court victory which saved the ground, as a landmark for all football fans, here.

Wrexham supporters campaigned passionately over three torrid years then and have not forgotten how close their club, formed in 1872, came to being put out of existence and its ground flattened. The petition, organised by the Red Passion website is part of their ongoing campaign to make sure proper protection is in place to prevent the same kind of scheme being tried again.

It can be signed here.

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