Police probe finished
THERE is no prospect whatsoever of the Coventry Bees returning to Brandon Stadium to race until a police investigation into the alleged theft of fixtures and fittings at the site has been concluded.
Lawyers acting for stadium owners Brandon Estates have ruled out the return of speedway while the police investigation is ongoing. The investigation could prove to be a lengthy process, with Warwickshire Police describing it as a “complex investigation” which is still continuing.
The investigation came on the back of a long-run- ning and complex dispute which saw the removal of fixtures and fittings at Brandon, including floodlights, track shale and grandstand seats, by former stadium and Bees’ owner Avtar Sandhu.
Bees’ current owner Mick Horton had secured a head lease with new stadium owners Brandon Estates to race on for up to three more years but also needed a deal with former Mr Sandhu’s Coventry Racing Club, who were to continue running stock cars there and who laid claim to the assets.
According to the Bees that deal came too late – and remained unsigned – and Mr Horton handed back the lease when he realised he would be unable to operate at the venue without undertaking repair work beyond his means, although the figures quoted have been contested. Mr Sandhu had stated he would return the assets that were removed in time for the start of the season, but was unable to enter the stadium in January as Brandon Estates had reported their removal to the police. The Bees were kicked out of the SGB Premiership in February and will not race competitively this season, though a series of special Challenge away fixtures have been arranged.
The club was withdrawn from the top league by the sport’s governing body after being unable to convince officials that they could complete the 2017 season. The exclusion by the British Speedway Promoters Association (BSPA) came after ongoing problems over where the Bees would race and the long-running dispute over using Brandon.
It was hoped a short-term agreement to use Beaumont Park in Leicester would pacify speedway bosses but the BSPA said it had significant concerns.
However no end would appear to be in sight due to the continuing police investigation over the removal of the Brandon Stadium fixtures and fittings.
In a statement Brandon Estates’ solicitors told the Telegraph: “Unfortunately, until the police investigation is completed, and any other litigation that might be taking place has been concluded, it is not clear what the future holds for Brandon Stadium. Hopefully, matters will become clearer towards the end of this year.”
A spokesman for Warwickshire Police said: “Warwickshire Police are continuing to investigate the allegations of theft and criminal damage at Brandon Stadium. This is a complex investigation which requires the review of a significant amount of material. No arrests have been made.”
The Challenge match programme will see fixtures at Wolverhampton on April 10, Leicester on April 13 and Poole on April 19. There are also plans to arrange fixtures at Somerset, Swindon, Belle Vue and Kings Lynn. A campaign group is aiming to raise £10,000 to support Bees riders as part of the drive to keep the club ticking over. Its Just Giving page can be found here.