Defence secretary steps in to save point-to-point at Larkhill
ACELEBRATED Wiltshire point-to-point racecourse that was threatened with closure by the Ministry of Defence has been saved after pressure from the Countryside Alliance and the intervention of Secretary of State Ben Wallace.
Rural campaigners have welcomed the last-minute intervention by Mr Wallace, following reports that the much-loved Larkhill point-topoint racecourse had been earmarked for closure.
Reports said Mr Wallace was first made aware of the “shortsighted” plans to close the course, on the Larkhill military base, following a report in the media.
A source said: “He has directed officials to renew the lease with immediate effect”.
The source added: “He [Mr Wallace] recognises that as custodian of the largest land holdings in the UK, the MoD has a duty to not only use the land to ensure our forces are best prepared but also that the local communities who have farmed or used the lands for centuries are supported”.
Larkhill, on Salisbury Plain, is considered a central venue in the British point-to-point calendar, attracting thousands of visitors from across south-west England and beyond.
While racing was due to continue for the 2022-23 pointing season, its future was in doubt until Mr Wallace stepped in.
A campaign to oppose the closure of the racecourse, supported by the Countryside Alliance, was due to go live on Saturday, November 5.
Prior to the intervention, Tim Bonner the Alliance’s Chief Executive said: “The survival of Larkhill racecourse is considered to be critical for point-to-pointing but it also holds a special place in the hearts of people across Wiltshire.
“The races, which draw in thousands of people from across the South West and beyond to the benefit of many local businesses, bring service men and women and their families together with the local rural community. At the flick of a pen from a Whitehall bureaucrat, the years of community cohesion and goodwill established, could be lost if the course were to disappear”.
Andrew Ritchie, chairman of the Larkhill racecourse committee, said they had shared the course with the military for 75 years without difficulties.
Polly Portwin, director of the Countryside Alliance’s Campaign for Hunting said: “We thank the defence secretary. For many years the races have united local army families and the rural community. Long may racing continue at Larkhill.”