Walthamstow dogs update – Bob Morton meets with L&Q
Millionaire businessman Bob Morton met with L&Q (London and Quadrant) this month to discuss a potential takeover bid to bring racing back to Walthamstow. Morton described the meeting as “constructive”.
The iconic site was purchased from the Chandler family for development almost two years ago, and after constant failure in gaining planning permission, things haven’t quite worked out as hoped.
Credit surely has to be given to the SOS (Save Our Stow) group for all the hard work it has put in to gain support and raise the awareness of how important it is for the borough to hold on to its heritage.
SOS campaign leader Ricky Holloway named a number of potential buyers including Nick Budimir and West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan, but the chairman of Henlow is first to start with the negotiations.
Morton told the Racing Post: “I went away encouraged, it was positive but equally please don’t run away with any idea that we are getting the stadium back. This is early days, and you have to remember L&Q own the site, they have all the power.”
But he also said he is keen to move things forward, adding: “L&Q are listening and we are talking, so there has been progress.
“As a businessman, my view has always been that if you are going to do something, you might as well get on with it.”
But he also sounded a note of caution to those who believe the return of racing is just around the corner by adding that there are three possibilities for the site.
L&Q may press ahead with their plans to build housing, or it may join forces with the SOS campaign and combine the development with greyhound racing.
The other option is that the site is sold and SOS bring back racing.
Morton is expected to submit plans for the site in a week’s time.
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