Rugby borough councillors have backed a call to see if Brandon Stadium – the historic home of speedway and stock car racing in the region – could be brought back into use.

A notice of motion was put forward at the latest full council meeting by ward member Cllr Tony Gillias, an avid speedway fan who made his first visit to the track more than 50 years ago.

Racing came to an end in 2016 when the stadium was purchased by Brandon Estates and a number of planning applications for housing at the abandoned site have been turned down by councillors.

The motion proposed by Cllr Gillias read: "This council recognises the importance of the sporting heritage within the borough, not only in respect to the game of rugby, but also to other long established and well supported sports associated with Brandon Stadium. 

"We therefore request that, following the overwhelming public desire to reopen Brandon Stadium, this council explores options available to bring Brandon Stadium back into use and any likely public advantages to the local and wider communities, should this be achievable."

Cllr Gillias said: "The council and its members are of course the custodians of the borough's history and sporting heritage, particularly those sports and venues that have provided leisure and wellbeing for generations to partake, enjoy and support.

"Friendships are created in those sporting communities that last a lifetime. The wellbeing created cannot be found or created in any document or policy statement because it is deep in your hearts and minds and it is carried with us on our journey through life."

The proposal was seconded by council leader Cllr Seb Lowe who admitted he was not a speedway fan but added: "I am a huge fan of heritage and a huge fan of community.

"This suggests that we should explore what can be done and I think there is a sufficient groundswell of public opinion out there that suggests that this might be worth looking at and at least seriously consider whether it is a possibility. It will be a more meaningful debate once that information is back." 

(Header image by Kallerna via wikimedia.commons)