Plans for Cradley Heathens' new home unveiled

The group behind plans to build a new track for Cradley Heathens unveiled their vision at the site they hope will become the club's new home.

The Heathens Speedway Supporters' Trust has drawn up proposals for the track at the Lion Farm Estate in Oldbury.

Showing off the plans at the site brought the reality of their situation home – and reaffirmed their desire to bring Heathens' two-decade nomadic journey to an end.

Mark Robinson, from the supporters' trust, said: "We've worked really hard to get to this point and we're hopeful we've covered all the bases.

"The only opposition we can think of will come from the community – especially the people who are closest to it.

"We have to try to get across to them that although speedway is noisy it's only one day a week – and not every week– and only during the summer months.

"We're also going to hold a public meeting later this month and leaflet the area.

"Hopefully people won't have fears about the noise and traffic."

Mr Robinson said he was confident the plans will get the green light, despite Sandwell Council leader Steve Eling suggesting the track could cause concerns among residents.

The supporters' trust will move to allay those fears, according to Mr Robinson.

He said: "It's ours to lose – we've done all the research on it.

"I'm a firm believer in the theory that if you don't dream then nothing can come true."

Cradley Heathens have been without a permanent home since 1995 when their Dudley Wood track was sold for housing.

The club has been track-sharing with rivals Wolverhampton and Birmingham since reforming in 2010.

Attempts to find a site close to their Cradley roots in the Dudley borough have failed to come to fruition, which Mr Robinson admitted was frustrating. But he added the club was now focusing on the chosen site on Oldbury.

The proposals for the Queens Field site in Oldbury include a number of other sporting facilities including cricket and rugby pitches, a BMX track and basketball courts.