THE Coventry Observer’s Save Our Bees campaign has today taken the fight to Westminster in a bid to save the world-famous Coventry Bees speedway club.
Launched in February, our campaign has two key aims – to ensure the suspended Bees return to SGB Premiership racing next year, and the 89-year-old club’s long-term survival.
We say the club must have a long-term future at a home, even if that is away from its traditional Coventry Stadium, once any potential renewed short-term lease ends.
The campaign has received backing from MPs, senior figures in speedway, and supporters of the sport across the country.
Now our efforts to rescue the Coventry Bees have stepped up a gear with our lobby of the Houses of Parliament.
Our sports editor Shaun Reynolds met Rugby MP Mark Pawsey and others at Westminster.
Mr Pawsey, secretary of the All-Parliamentary Group for speedway, also invited the Coventry Observer and campaigners from the Save Coventry Speedway committee to attend the group’s awards afternoon in the capital on Wednesday (November 2).
Speaking to the Observer, Mr Pawsey said the work of our campaign – in engaging all parties involved – was crucial if Coventry Bees and Coventry Stadium (at Brandon in his constituency) are to be saved.
He added: “We are very lucky to have such an iconic club as Coventry Bees in our neighbourhood.
“I am very concerned about the future of speedway at Brandon.
“Speedway is a fantastic sport. There are not many other sports where you can get into the heart of the action and get so close to the stars on the track.”
Part of Mr Pawsey’s role as secretary of the group is to promote speedway within Parliament.
He has held a meeting at Westminster with representatives from Coventry Stadium owners Brandon Estates with the aim of finding a resolution to see Bees return to racing. He is also in ‘constant dialogue’ with the Save Coventry Speedway campaign committee.
He added: “This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Speedway All Parliamentary Group.
“The annual reception provides a lively forum for MPs, Lords, the speedway industry, and avid fans to support the sport.”
Ours and Coventry Bees’ campaigners’ attendance offered further opportunity to lobby movers and shakers over the club’s future.
Bees’ plight is a consequence of off-track politics involving several parties – namely Brandon Estates, Bees owner Mick Horton, and stock car organisers CoventryStox.
Though Bees were offered a one-year lease, with the option of a three-year extension, the deal fell through – prompting Mr Horton to agree a groundshare with Leicester for the 2017 season.
But the British Speedway Promoters Association was dissatisfied with Mr Horton’s plans, and subsequently froze his license – meaning Bees were homeless.
Since the launch of our campaign, stadium owners Brandon Estates have claimed residents living in the area want houses to be built on the stadium site as soon as possible.
But a survey conducted by the Coventry Observer in October revealed 93 per cent of residents opposed Brandon Estates’ housing plan, and would prefer speedway and stock car racing to return.
Following our survey, Brandon Estates’ plan for homes on the site reduced from 250 new homes to 137.
A fortnight ago, Brandon Estates held a public exhibition at the Brandon Hall Hotel to outline their latest homes plan.
Fans of the Coventry Bees speedway team and CoventryStox can pledge their support by using #SaveOurBees on Twitter or by telling us what speedway at Coventry Stadium means to you by emailing [email protected].
