THE now all-but-empty Oxford Stadium site is being fenced off by its owners as fears rise over its future.

Campaigners have called for people who live near the Sandy Lane site to be on the look-out for further activity after workers were seen securing the site recently.

Oxford Mail:

Oxford City Councillor for Blackbird Leys Linda Smith said the council has been investigating the concerns.

She added: “We are aware of reports that people have been putting up fences on the site.

“A member of staff went to find out what was happening and we are satisfied all is in order.

“We believe the work was to secure the part of the site where the motor cycle training was.

“We will be keeping an eye on it as a council to make sure no unauthorised development takes place.

“It’s no secret the owners want to build houses on the site but we have made it very clear that is not something we would support.”

Oxford Mail:

It comes after the last remaining businesses, which had continued to operate on the site since greyhound racing finished in 2012, moved away.

Chair of Save our Stadium Ian Sawyer has called on people to be the eyes and ears of the group after the departures.

He said: “There was a lot of panic when we first saw what was happening but we have no reason to disbelieve the council that nothing untoward was going on.

“It is more difficult now no one is on the site all the time so we need people to report anything the minute they see it.”

It comes as more than 100 fans and ex-riders gathered at the Garsington Sports and Social Club last Sunday to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Oxford speedway.

Fans from across the country pledged to support the campaign to bring racing back to Oxford for the first time since 2008.

Oxford Mail:

Rob Jeffrey, who organised the event alongside former Oxford Silver Machine promoter Nigel Wagstaff, said: “There were several chats about ex-riders and the sad current state of the stadium.

“The supportive crowd were very vocal in their desire to see racing continue at Oxford Stadium, and all agreed the fight must continue.”

Mr Sawyer said any hopes they have of seeing the stadium up and running again rest with Oxford City Council.

The authority published a feasibility study a year ago showing there was a business case for bringing back the site and included it in its recently published local plan.

This will be scrutinised by the planning inspector in the autumn and this is seen as the next crucial milestone in the battle to save the site.

Oxford Mail:

Mick Wheble MBE, a former greyhound commentator who worked in the industry for 40 years, said: “We’ve got to find a way forward. This has dragged on for years and it’s not helping anyone.

“It would be a huge blow if we lost it. I know four parties with the money to buy it and we could have 300 people there tomorrow to help.

“But only the council can force the current owners to sell up.”