THE fight for the future of Oxford Stadium is not over.

That’s the message from city council chief Bob Price as he talked tough in the battle to save the greyhound track.

The Labour councillor issued a stark ultimatum to the stadium’s owners – abandon your plans now or risk having them thrown out. Owners the Greyhound Racing Association (GRA) and developer Galliard Homes want to demolish the 73-year-old stadium to pave the way for more than 200 homes.

But Mr Price warned planning permission would not be easy and urged them to work with planners to find a new owner to run it as a leisure facility.

Mr Price said: “With its first-rate facilities, the stadium has a long-standing place in the affections of city residents, and it is regrettable that the current owners of the stadium have not sought to build on the widespread support which it has maintained through the recent difficulties.

“The council is appalled that the decision to cease operations at the stadium was taken so close to the Christmas period and without consideration for the staff who work there.”

Mr Price said the council had been forced to make the statement after the announcement the stadium would close after December 29.

And he added the council’s policy was clear – the site is not included for housing in planning documents and it should remain a leisure and recreation site.

The stadium site was initially included in draft versions of the council’s sites and housing plan, but was not put forward by the GRA to be included in the final document.

Mr Price now wants the city council to work with the GRA to find another organisation prepared run the stadium as a community facility.

He also said the city council would like to see speedway racing – which stopped in 2008 – return.

The move was welcomed by campaigners, who have also launched a petition against the stadium’s closure and against housing development on the site.

Ian Sawyer, a lifelong speedway fan and member of the Save Oxford Stadium group, said: “It’s definitely a positive thing that the council is looking for ways to keep the venue as it is.

“I know there’s still a long way to go but this is a good step in the right direction.

“We know there are people out there who are interested in purchasing the stadium and running it as the sports and leisure facility it is meant to be.”

Claims by the GRA that the stadium was being underused and failing to turn a profit have been challenged by supporters.

Fellow speedway supporter Steve Lockyer added: “They can’t honestly say the stadium was being underused when they refused to have speedway there.”

Oxford East MP Andrew Smith, who lives in Blackbird Leys and has been involved in the campaign, said: “I warmly welcome Bob Price’s statement, which is a ringing endorsement of the case for keeping the stadium.

“If we make it really clear to the present owners that they are not going to get housing there – not today, not tomorrow, not ever – I believe there is a real possibility of forcing the transfer of ownership to someone who will really make the most of this great local facility.”

His comments were backed up by Lib Dem opposition leader Jean Fooks.

She said: “Clearly we do desperately need provision, and if this is something which is wanted by local people and if it could be run as a viable business it would seem a pity if it closed.”

The stadium is currently also home to a fitness suite, martial arts classes, weightlifting facilities and a go-kart track, all of which will close down on December 29. Dance classes are also based there.

The Oxford Mail tried to contact GRA managing director Clive Feltham, but received no response.

About 3,500 people have joined a Facebook group called Save Oxford Stadium.

The petition is available at andrewsmithonyourside.org.uk