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Liberal Democrats Concerned Over Racecourse’s Future

Liberal Democrats Concerned Over Racecourse’s Future - AP McCoy immediately after winning his 4000th race at Towcester

The recent announcement that Towcester Racecourse is in financial difficulty raises concerns that any long term interruption to racing would impact badly on the local economy. Local Liberal Democrats say they recognise the importance of this sporting and events venue to the town and local economy. The Lib Dems are calling for appropriate action by local and or national government to work to help safeguard the racecourse’s future.

In 2017, this premiere racecourse brought the Greyhound Derby to the venue and it is estimated that this race alone can bring £1m into the local economy. The venue has also hosted the well supported Towcester Food Festival that attracted visitors from across the county and beyond.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Martin Johns commented: “The Racecourse has seen change over past years, as it has tried to make better use of the venue by expanding beyond horse racing. Given the value to the local economy everything possible should be done to retain this iconic sporting venue. It’s vital that any new owner or management of Towcester Racecourse fully recognises the significance of its historic and protected location, set as it is, in open countryside, within listed parkland and the setting of Easton Neston House.

"Any future proposals that might come forward to develop the racecourse must take full account of its highly sensitive location. Any proposal for retail for example, must fully recognise the impact on Towcester town centre and most importantly, the already highly congested road network.

"A road network that currently has no apparent prospect for improvement. Even the planned ‘relief road’ is intended simply to serve the significant number of new houses being built, with schools and employment sites to follow.”

Liberal Democrat Councillor Chris Lofts said: “I hope that the current confusion caused by restructuring local government in Northamptonshire does not get in the way of practical help being offered to Towcester Racecourse to ensure Towcester and our district doesn’t lose this key historic venue.”

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Comments

Richard Dallyn

At 15:18 on 18th August 2018, Richard Dallyn commented:

I agree with my Towcester councillor colleagues about the importance of the racecourse to the local economy.
The greyhound track has brought a new audience, but as a horse racing enthusiast ..a regular patron for 40 years...I am anxious that this unique track is not lost - and as of now, I am more than hopeful with serious interest reported by Arena Racing Company, and Betfred.

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