THE city council’s intervention into the Oxford Stadium saga is welcome.

There is clearly a groundswell of support for the institution, and a strong argument for it to be kept as a sporting venue. After 73 years, it has far more to offer the city as a destination for greyhound racing than as yet another housing development.

But the concern is it may be a case of too little, too late.

The Greyhound Racing Association and Galliard Homes have long-standing plans to redevelop the site for housing, and appear to be set on that course.

City council leader Bob Price’s statement is cleverly worded, to avoid painting himself into a corner.

As the leader of the local planning authority, he can’t be seen to prejudge any planning application.

We just hope he backs up his fine words with actions.

The council’s ace in the hole is it has the right to refuse planning permission, no matter what application comes forward.

Hopefully that fact will finally bring the notably elusive GRA to the table.