Save Our Stow, if you haven’t heard of them already, are a group of supporters attempting to revive greyhound racing at Walthamstow.
London & Quadrant are the current owners of the site and they have suggested that, within their 18 months of ownership, they have not received any credible, financially backed bids for a takeover; in which case you could refer to the SOS as the Red Knights of Walthamstow but without the financial backing.
Ex-greyhound owner and trainer Ricky Holloway is in full stretch in terms of fighting the good cause. He claims otherwise, stating that the likes of West Ham co-owner David Sullivan and his group are interested in a takeover.
Nick Budimir, another businessman in the frame acting on behalf of SOS has estimated that it would cost approximately £5million to get the stadium back in action.
Budimir was granted access to the site along with some architects for the first time on February 25th, the same day L&Q submitted their planning permission to demolish the site, quite cheeky of them to do this - but have no fear as the proposal was rejected by the local planning authorities.
As a result, L&Q have parted ways with their commercial partner Yoo Capital and are continuing to pursue permission to build a 479-home development, although this means a delay of several months as its involves starting from scratch.
The company firmly holds the belief that a future of greyhound racing at the track is not a viable choice; this as a result has enraged the SOS campaigners and local politicians.
Waltham Forest Council’s Liberal Democrat leader John Macklin said in the Racing Post: “Confusion and misinformation about London and Quadrant’s intentions are in nobody’s interest. I would like to see all the interested parties sit down around a table and talk through the options. I will do anything I can to help.”
If you would like to show your support, you can do so by submitting comments against the planning application to the Waltham Forest planning department and have till March 18th.
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