It’s the end of the line for Belle Vue stadium

VIRUS LOCKDOWN THE LAST STRAW FOR HISTORIC BELLE VUE DOG TRACK

THE historic Belle Vue greyhound stadium will close permanently, it’s been confirmed.

Belle Vue is believed to be the biggest and oldest dog track in the country.

Owners Arena Racing Company issued a statement which confirmed the closure.

They said there was ‘no longer a business case to support the ongoing operation of the stadium’ and the national coronavirus lockdown ‘has had a particularly negative effect on Belle Vue, with racing behind closed doors simply unable to sustain the business.’

All staff will be made redundant as a result, the statement added.

The stadium in Gorton – which dates back to 1926 and is the last of its kind in the north west – was previously home to speedway team Belle Vue Aces.

It still hosted greyhound and stock car racing.

Councillors last year approved controversial plans for houses and flats at the site on Kirkmanshulme Lane.

The decision followed a long-running campaign led by trainers and others to save the venue, although animal rights groups backed the housing proposals.

The owners said every avenue had been explored, but the ‘significant uncertainty over the return of crowds to live sporting venues means that... there is no choice but to confirm closure.’

Remaining Belle Vue trainers will receive welfare support payments until the end of September.

The statement said: “Arena Racing Company can today confirm the outcome of a consultation process regarding Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium.

“The decision has been made that there is no longer a business case to support the ongoing operation of the stadium and employees of the site will be made redundant.

“As a stadium that relies heavily on attendance, catering and hospitality, the national lockdown has had a particularly negative effect on Belle Vue, with racing behind closed doors simply unable to sustain the business.

“The significant uncertainty over the return of crowds to live sporting venues means that, despite exploring every avenue, there is no choice but to confirm closure.”

Director of ARC’s Racing Division, Mark Spincer, said: “The closure of Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium has been an incredibly difficult one to make, especially given the history associated with the stadium, but our consultation on options moving forward could not see a manner in which the business could support itself.

“As stated previously, the effects of the national lockdown, alongside the significant uncertainty over when, and in what manner, crowds may be able to return has had a huge impact on Belle Vue in particular, given its reliance on public attendance.

“We will continue to provide welfare support payments to the remaining Belle Vue trainers, not currently racing at other stadia, until the end of September, and assist with any homing requirements during that time.

“It goes without saying that we are very grateful to all of the staff at Belle Vue and everyone associated to the site for their hard work and loyalty over the years and throughout this process.”