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Post by admin on Jun 29, 2023 16:32:48 GMT
Well if there is a 2024 then this would be a great start if Chapman can be persuaded to hand over to someone who wants the gig:
Fans' favourite & new sensation Vadim Tarasenko wants a second season at Peterborough Panthers...should the city club get a stay of execution
The Russian ace wowed fans on his home debut, top-scoring with 14 points against reigning Premiership champions Belle Vue Aces on his first sight of the East of England Arena track. And at the end of his opening showstopper he revealed he definitely wants to race in the UK again in 2024.
Tarasenko became an instant idol to the success-starved Panthers fans both on and off track. He won four of his six races and then spent half an hour, still in his race gear, signing autographs and posing for selfies with supporters.
But the best news of all for those who have already taken the Polish passport and licence holder to their hearts is he is ready to sign a new deal for 2024 if there’s a chance that Peterborough can stave off the threat to their continued existence at the Alwalton raceway.
They have already been told this will be their last season but there is a glimmer of hope with the plans to build up to 1,500 houses on the Showground yet to be approved by Peterborough City Council.
The longer it takes for councillors to decide whether or not the proposed £50 million leisure village can go ahead, the more hopeful the Panthers’ management will be that they can get another stay of execution.
And Tarasenko says he wants to be part of the club’s future, if there is one, in the city.
He said: “I want to ride in England next year. I feel I need it for my career and I would like to do it on this track as I know the boys in my team now.
“I hope I’ll start here again. I wanted to start a long time ago in England, but it was not possible because of the paperwork and documents I needed.”
And he’s also vowed that he will improve on his meteoric start to life with the Panthers, claiming: “I must learn a little bit more about the track and do better.
“I feel happy with my scoring. It was okay, but I always want to do better for my club and my team and we are trying to do that. I have never been in England before and it is all new for me.”
peterboroughtoday/fans-favourite-vadim-wants-a-second-season-at-peterborough-panthersshould-the-city-club-get-a-stay-of-execution 29/6/23
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Post by rodders on Jun 29, 2023 16:45:08 GMT
What evidence do we have that we will continue in 2024??
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Post by admin on Jun 29, 2023 17:26:36 GMT
What evidence do we have that we will continue in 2024?? You could be positive for once Rodders  But to answer the question, from CLUB STATEMENT Wednesday April 12, 2023 In terms of the future, as things stand at present, very sadly this will be our last year. We have a contract with the Showground until the end of October, and at this stage it is highly unlikely that this will be renewed. We have spoken to several people regarding the potential for a new site, but the club would need significant help with that as it would essentially involve building a new stadium. Our intention is to carry on fighting for as long as possible to keep Peterborough Speedway in Peterborough, but as it stands now, the speedway will cease in October. We can fully understand the fans’ disappointment both with this news and the Nicki scenario, but we can only stress that the club needs you more than ever at this moment. We are not giving up, so please do not give up on us. As a management team, we feel it is best to be completely open and honest with everyone and explain the situation, however difficult things are, and we will continue to do this over the coming weeks. We do realise the winter was quiet in terms of news, but there has been an enormous amount of work going on behind the scenes, and sometimes you cannot jeopardise that work by ‘saying nothing’ just for the sake of it. We will continue working hard to secure a replacement for Nicki and fighting for the continuation of speedway in Peterborough, but this is the truth of how things stand today.- and we're 3 months on from that, no planning application has been seen or approved, local developments have hit snags and the local plan is now subject to 3 year review. The club is still silent on all fronts but until I see further confirmation of our demise I'm happy to talk us up rather than down. |
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Post by rodders on Jun 29, 2023 18:17:11 GMT
What evidence do we have that we will continue in 2024?? You could be positive for once Rodders But to answer the question, from CLUB STATEMENT Wednesday April 12, 2023 In terms of the future, as things stand at present, very sadly this will be our last year. We have a contract with the Showground until the end of October, and at this stage it is highly unlikely that this will be renewed. We have spoken to several people regarding the potential for a new site, but the club would need significant help with that as it would essentially involve building a new stadium. Our intention is to carry on fighting for as long as possible to keep Peterborough Speedway in Peterborough, but as it stands now, the speedway will cease in October. We can fully understand the fans’ disappointment both with this news and the Nicki scenario, but we can only stress that the club needs you more than ever at this moment. We are not giving up, so please do not give up on us. As a management team, we feel it is best to be completely open and honest with everyone and explain the situation, however difficult things are, and we will continue to do this over the coming weeks. We do realise the winter was quiet in terms of news, but there has been an enormous amount of work going on behind the scenes, and sometimes you cannot jeopardise that work by ‘saying nothing’ just for the sake of it. We will continue working hard to secure a replacement for Nicki and fighting for the continuation of speedway in Peterborough, but this is the truth of how things stand today.- and we're 3 months on from that, no planning application has been seen or approved, local developments have hit snags and the local plan is now subject to 3 year review. The club is still silent on all fronts but until I see further confirmation of our demise I'm happy to talk us up rather than down.From that I should be positive? |
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Post by admin on Jun 29, 2023 22:36:04 GMT
From that I should be positive? It's the best we've got at the moment. All that was said was "Well if there is a 2024" which is hardly a concrete statement requiring justification. Problem is the ownership as Chapman must leave and I'm not convinced that Tomlin really is interested, so who is actually around to take the club forward? |
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Post by rodders on Jul 7, 2023 14:23:08 GMT
Any truth in claims on BSF that Carl Johnson resigned again?
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Post by admin on Aug 26, 2023 20:43:33 GMT
Can't help thinking that Chapman is not the best person to fight Panthers' corner. Sure, he will lose the club, which is virtually worthless in present circumstances, and the income from a couple of local derbies, but Panthers' demise will surely increase the fan catchment for Kings Lynn, whose nearest away track will then be Ipswich (if you disregard Mildenhall). I can't think of any other reason why he has apparently refused to consider offers to buy the club, even though it's been "for sale" all season. I think that it's a bit unfair to criticise Chapman too much. He has kept the club going (yes we can argue about objectives and quality) longer than anyone, even him probably, thought would be likely. I don't know what additional fight he has put up, if any, but when developers and big money are involved then the club will live or die on it's fan base and the local/Peterborough public in general holding AEPG, PCC to account, particularly in terms of adhering to the local plan (currently under review). Despite rumours of a way to protect the EoES speedway infrastructure (don't know whether that includes the stand) I'd worry that a fallow year would totally seal the club's fate so we need someone with a fortune to call their bluff and pay what it costs to run in 2024, but then I woke up! The outcome of that though is that if Peterborough Speedway in use then the bulldozers will not move in. What offers were these? He said in his programme notess: "I can categorically assure everyone that nobody has made me an offer to buy the club. The only person who spoke to me about running the club, who I thought initially was going to be running it, was Michael Tomalin from City Auction Group, and he is the only person. There have been no offers; I can categorically assure you of that. Not one person has made an offer for the club. The only person I've spoken to was Michael last winter -- nobody else spoke to me about it all offered anything. If anyone did want to make me an offer, I wish they would have put it in writing, because I would have accepted it if it was anything sensible.As for Panthers fans relocating to Saddlebow Road, just park this because Kings Lynn isn't an alternative. Peterborough Speedway is one of the best stadiums/tracks in British Speedway and although Kings Lynn provides the basic service of Speedway, it is nowhere close to like for like. If we're looking at a matching alternative then that could only be the NSS Manchester which couldn't be classed as reasonable proximity in the imagination of anyone. |
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Post by admin on Aug 26, 2023 20:45:39 GMT
Don't think I was criticising Chapman - I just suggested that he has little to lose from the closure of Panthers, and that their demise might to some extent improve the viability of his other track, Kings Lynn by increasing the effective catchment area. Have to agree with you re. the quality of the racing at EOES. I would hope that, if a relocation happens in coming years that they try to copy the shape and size, space permitting. Will your forum close if Panthers do, Riggers? I know what you're saying. It wasn't a dig because I agree that on the face of it (and we don't know what has or hasn't gone on behind the scenes despite what comes out in public) we certainly do seem to have, in some respects, the wrong owner at the wrong time? Kings Lynn might get a small initial bonus if Panthers close but that's only a short term sticking plaster and to lose another track to the sport as a whole is just so short sighted and will have a much bigger negative impact on British Speedway generally. Having said that, if Buster allegedly wants out entirely then does the end result matter that much to him? I don't know? I'm sure that it does but when push comes to shove and we need that little bit extra? I've just listened back to Buster's centre green statement of 2022. Unfortunately I've lost my phone recording which was a fuller version and did include (if my memory serves me right) a reference to a new facility of a similar nature and of a similar or greater size in a suitable location, which is an integral part of LP30 "The proposal includes the provision of a new facility of a similar nature and of a similar or greater size in a suitable on or off-site location." - that's not being met as it stands. I'm sure that part of the argument against Peterborough Speedway is that the service provided by the facility is met by alternative provision that exists within reasonable proximity? Which presumably refers to Leicester and Kings Lynn. That is like saying that we're knocking down Old Trafford but don't worry Manchester United fans you can go to Burnley! That's a weak argument and is ignorant of the difference between speedway tracks/stadiums and the product that they produce whereas a football pitch and seat is pretty uniform, providing the same product (if not quality) nationwide. additionally he says the the EoES is the place to be (although he appreciates that we can't remain - well we potentially could with the right support and actions) - things are ongoing and in the pipeline for a new base (so what went wrong there?) - and more importantly, which I'd missed before, he says, and I've listened half a dozen times to make sure that I haven't misheard (which I don't think that I have) "I do believe that there is a few more years here yet" - so what went wrong? Also, he says that getting planning is the hardest part and if you agree with that then we're not done until the EoES development planning is approved. No I'll not close the site for a good while at least. if at all. |
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Post by admin on Aug 31, 2023 8:29:07 GMT
What evidence do we have that we will continue in 2024?? We haven't had any really Rodders so your point is logical. However, hearing Mick Bratley on the BBC Cambs this morning was the most positive evidence we have and was a distinct change of tone and message. I know that he has been against a single 2024 because the club needs more stability than that and he feels that a single year just creates problems for the smooth running of the club, and he would know more than most to be fair. But to hear him be positive about potentially another few seasons if Buster (who he praised to the hilt, so fair play for that), a new owner and Butterfield thrashed out a deal was the greenest shoots that we've seen/heard. PCC & AEPG are doing a weak big sell of the EoES project so it's important to ramp the pressure up and keep the objections going - press gang friends and family in as well, especially if in Peterborough because they will be directly affected by this unnecessary development which will be out of date and they'll be looking elsewhere in 10 years for the next concrete jungle |
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Post by admin on Sept 10, 2023 14:07:17 GMT
interesting bit the ET: “We have worked really closely with the Speedway team and Speedway owners,” Ashley added as the Panthers get set to leave the grandstand. “We’ve been in consultation and open dialogue and have been transparent about the plans and the future. “They have known for many years that the site is earmarked for development and ultimately they would need to move location and find a new home. “We actually extended the period for them to include this season and we managed to push that through and work closely with them to achieve that, so there’s a huge amount of collaboration and support there. “We are working with the Speedway fans and owners but we understand the disappointment that the speedway is moving from Peterborough.” - which pre-empts the planning decision and is a touch suspicious - Peterborough Panthers speedway team informed in 2022 that the 2023 season would sadly have to be their last in the Showground grandstand, as that area is expected to be under different ownership by the time the 2024 Speedway season begins. - Sale of the land is expected to be approved by Spring 2024, again subject to planning approval.
Chapman says here at 1.01 (if my ears work) www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1285189478916248 that there is a few more years here yet |
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Post by Bigcatdiary on Sept 10, 2023 14:17:53 GMT
interesting bit the ET: “We have worked really closely with the Speedway team and Speedway owners,” Ashley added as the Panthers get set to leave the grandstand. “We’ve been in consultation and open dialogue and have been transparent about the plans and the future. “They have known for many years that the site is earmarked for development and ultimately they would need to move location and find a new home. “We actually extended the period for them to include this season and we managed to push that through and work closely with them to achieve that, so there’s a huge amount of collaboration and support there. “We are working with the Speedway fans and owners but we understand the disappointment that the speedway is moving from Peterborough.” - which pre-empts the planning decision and is a touch suspicious - Peterborough Panthers speedway team informed in 2022 that the 2023 season would sadly have to be their last in the Showground grandstand, as that area is expected to be under different ownership by the time the 2024 Speedway season begins. - Sale of the land is expected to be approved by Spring 2024, again subject to planning approval.
Chapman says here at 1.01 (if my ears work) www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1285189478916248 that there is a few more years here yet The bit that annoys the hell of me is that we could race at the showground for 24 & 25 and it wouldn’t make a jot of difference to the planning application or the building of houses if the application was subsequently successful, AEPG just want us gone. We could agree to go and providing new land could be obtained we could use that 2 years wisely |
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Post by admin on Sept 10, 2023 15:54:20 GMT
interesting bit the ET: “We have worked really closely with the Speedway team and Speedway owners,” Ashley added as the Panthers get set to leave the grandstand. “We’ve been in consultation and open dialogue and have been transparent about the plans and the future. “They have known for many years that the site is earmarked for development and ultimately they would need to move location and find a new home. “We actually extended the period for them to include this season and we managed to push that through and work closely with them to achieve that, so there’s a huge amount of collaboration and support there. “We are working with the Speedway fans and owners but we understand the disappointment that the speedway is moving from Peterborough.” - which pre-empts the planning decision and is a touch suspicious - Peterborough Panthers speedway team informed in 2022 that the 2023 season would sadly have to be their last in the Showground grandstand, as that area is expected to be under different ownership by the time the 2024 Speedway season begins. - Sale of the land is expected to be approved by Spring 2024, again subject to planning approval.
Chapman says here at 1.01 (if my ears work) www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1285189478916248 that there is a few more years here yet The bit that annoys the hell of me is that we could race at the showground for 24 & 25 and it wouldn’t make a jot of difference to the planning application or the building of houses if the application was subsequently successful, AEPG just want us gone. We could agree to go and providing new land could be obtained we could use that 2 years wisely Agreed, although with the the Local Plan Review 2023-44 currently ongoing then there is no reason that we couldn't do 24/25/26 at least and if PCC still wish to agree to the EEAS/AEPG concrete jungle then we could look to vacate then if not included in a new worthwhile community facility used to its full potential:   |
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Post by rodders on Sept 12, 2023 11:28:27 GMT
Thought Chapmans effort last night pathetic, ill timed and insensitive. As for selling club there is nothing to sell so why does he not give it away. What assets Panthers do have for most part supplied by supporters club ! Would be most upset if Chapman tries to capitalise on those. A Grotesque charade!!!!
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Post by admin on Sept 12, 2023 12:04:48 GMT
Thought Chapmans effort last night pathetic, ill timed and insensitive. As for selling club there is nothing to sell so why does he not give it away. What assets Panthers do have for most part supplied by supporters club ! Would be most upset if Chapman tries to capitalise on those. It was unbelievably crass. And thinking about that today, he didn't need to make that statement because that's always been his line throughout 2023 despite saying different in Sept 2022. So what was the point and who was pulling the strings? This was about a reported morning meeting with AEPG where the outcome was a hastily arranged league fixture, an inappropriate farewell meeting that nobody wants but AEPG, and an order to say that there will be no 2024 because it's inconvenient for AEPG despite the fact a brick, assuming their their planning is approved and that they can gaslight PCC into convincing them that LP36/LP30 doesn't apply to them, will not be laid for 5 years. |
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Post by chrise on Sept 12, 2023 12:19:56 GMT
Thought Chapmans effort last night pathetic, ill timed and insensitive. As for selling club there is nothing to sell so why does he not give it away. What assets Panthers do have for most part supplied by supporters club ! Would be most upset if Chapman tries to capitalise on those. A Grotesque charade!!!! You are spot on Rodders !! A complete financial charade delivered by a grotesque character. Pleased to say that I have only ever payed to attend 2 of his meetings. This man has been a blight on British Speedway for far to long. |
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Post by rodders on Sept 12, 2023 14:10:47 GMT
There were always cliques in Speedway and Panthers and I sense one developing over the current situation.
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Post by rodders on Sept 12, 2023 17:01:50 GMT
There were always cliques in Speedway and Panthers and I sense one developing over the current situation. QED |
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Post by rodders on Sept 16, 2023 14:33:52 GMT
As mere mortals we are kept in the dark and not privy to what may or not be be going on but:
If a site has been identified and funding secured and developers convinced that all this would happen there seems given that not a brick laid or a turf lifted for a considerable amount of time there seems no reason not give Panthers more time. I suggest that developers fear that in the absence of above the situation will just go on and on and from their point of view the sooner the site is unfit for Speedway the better. if they knew there was a genuine and credible plan for alternative venue, it would be in everyone's interests t o allow a few more seasons
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Post by Hodgy on Sept 16, 2023 20:54:47 GMT
As mere mortals we are kept in the dark and not privy to what may or not be be going on but: If a site has been identified and funding secured and developers convinced that all this would happen there seems given that not a brick laid or a turf lifted for a considerable amount of time there seems no reason not give Panthers more time. I suggest that developers fear that in the absence of above the situation will just go on and on and from their point of view the sooner the site is unfit for Speedway the better. if they knew there was a genuine and credible plan for alternative venue, it would be in everyone's interests t o allow a few more seasons I agree Rodders but sadly It’s looking obvious they don’t want us there anymore. We just get in the way of their planning. Unless we get a super hero we are done. |
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Post by admin on Oct 11, 2023 8:37:06 GMT
What evidence do we have that we will continue in 2024?? We're getting there Rodders. It's Oct and it's kicking off daily: today's positive story (and the best evidence thus far) to follow on from yesterday's AEPG knockback (expect their no chance article tomorrow). With opposition, objections and evidence growing, perhaps AEPG are getting sensible and starting to respect the community and city that they claim to care about? (or perhaps not: "They have been in touch with AEPG director Ashley Butterfield and claim they were promised a meeting with him which has now been cancelled") AEPG certainly know how to win friends and influence people. Would you want to be a development company and buy into their mess before they sail off into the sunset and leave your company's reputation in the firing line? 
A consortium of Peterborough Panthers fans believe they can buy the club and save speedway in the cityA consortium of Panthers fans are locked in talks to try and buy Peterborough speedway from current owner Keith Chapman.And they believe they can rescue the club and either continue racing at the East of England Arena or find a new site elsewhere in the city. The group, all long time Panthers followers, have been negotiating with Chapman for several weeks and have already been told they can speak to the East of England Showground agents AEPG as the club’s potential new owners. They have been in touch with AEPG director Ashley Butterfield and claim they were promised a meeting with him which has now been cancelled. The group includes several of the club’s current sponsors and others have had close links with past promotions. One of the group confirmed: “We all have Panthers in our blood and have been supporters for many years and have seen thousands of meetings between us. “We will do everything we can to keep speedway in Peterborough and our first choice would obviously to be at the Showground next season and for the foreseeable future. “But before we can do anything, we have to see if we can agree a deal with Mr. Chapman to buy the rights to the Peterborough operating licence and until that happens it is difficult to move forward.” Along with the national Sports England body, the Speedway Control Bureau, the overall governing body, have objected to the plans to develop the Showground for housing and other leisure facilities because there is no provision for speedway. In their submission, the SCB claim: “The business model of the Peterborough Panthers in the 53 years of trading has never been an issue and in this current season of events, of which there has been 15, the attendances have been in the region between 1,500 and 2,000 spectators. “The Peterborough club also have held major speedway events over the years which has included British Championship events and also the FIM World Cup Final, which has been fantastic for the businesses of the surrounding areas including hotels, public houses and food outlets, as these events have attracted in the region of 5,000 spectators.” peterboroughtoday 11/10/23 By Holeshot Media who are doing a sterling job whoever they are b0252 Good old Google: Hole Shot Media is a professional car photographry photography and videography company. (explains a bit  ) |
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Post by admin on Nov 14, 2023 17:36:12 GMT
What evidence do we have that we will continue in 2024?? None now. It was a forlorn hope but at least they've given up on it a set out their position: Consortium spokesman Carl Johnson added: “ We will continue to fight against AEPG getting planning permission for what they want to do and our goal is to have speedway at the Showground in 2025" (peterboroughtoday 14/11/23) |
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dribble
National League poster.
Posts: 35
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Post by dribble on Nov 15, 2023 19:52:02 GMT
Thank you Rigsby for allowing me to keep tabs on whats happening with speedway, now yesterday I read on the national news that AEPG said that to run just speedway at the show ground would result in a financial loss due to insurances rules and regulations etc etc, Today cllr Julie Stevenson said if DHL can continue to operate at the show ground until the final outcome why can't speedway, I'm hoping that the protest this Saturday at Peterborough will bring some attention to what people want and may sway decisions in that favour if not brown envelopes come to mind.
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Post by admin on Nov 18, 2023 10:18:53 GMT
Not exactly ideal conditions for todays protest!!! Yesterday the Met Office looked really grim for today until lunchtime but the rain has stopped by 10am and it's just a cloudy day forecast. Should hopefully be a good turnout and positive day of action.  GET DOWN IN TO PETERBOROUGH CITY CENTRE (SAT 18 NOV) IF YOU'RE ABLE: “We will have bikes on display and riders will be in attendance and we urge as many people as possible to turn up and show their support, even if they don’t go to the speedway, but don’t think speedway should be lost to the city. “Peterborough shouldn’t want to lose a major sporting attraction, a sport that brings visitors to the city and provides income for our local businesses. “We want as many supporters as possible to bring flags, scarves, or anything speedway related in our traditional club colours of black and red to wave. “We want to put on a colourful show to emphasize the unity of our family sport. We want to make it a party atmosphere and spread the word that Peterborough needs speedway.” There will be speeches from the Guildhall steps from 1.30pm and the campaigners have also been given council permission to hand out leaflets outlining their opposition to the planning application. |
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Post by admin on Nov 18, 2023 10:49:42 GMT
The 2024 Premiership will sadly be without Peterborough and Wolverhampton for next season due to their ongoing stadium issues, and both clubs’ licences have been put on ice. British Speedway Promoters’ Ltd remain fully supportive of all efforts to return the sport to these, and other, locations. (BSPA AGM statement 17/11/23)
What next for Peterborough Panthers' speedway track? Silence has fallen over a city's motorcycle speedway track more than a month on from its farewell meeting. Peterborough Panthers raced at the East of England Showground for 53 years, but the site's £50m redevelopment is leaving the team without a home. As supporters prepare to hold a rally to raise awareness of the club's fight for survival, BBC News looks at what is next for the team and their historic home.  Peterborough Panthers had been at the East of England Showground, on the western edge of the city, since the club's inception in 1970. The team claimed their first league title when they were crowned champions of the then British League Division Two in 1992, repeating the feat in 1998. The Panthers made a step up to the top level of British speedway in the Elite League for the first time in 1999, and they finished top of the league and became national champions. They won another title in 2006 and remained at the top level of British speedway until 2013, when they dropped back to the second tier after several changes in the club's ownership. In 2019, Peterborough Panthers moved back up to the top level and became champions again in 2021 after beating Belle Vue. Peterborough Panthers are not expected to race next year because the 165-acre (66.7 hectare) showground site is set for a £50m redevelopment - and it does not include a speedway track. Development plans by the site's operator Asset Earning Power Group (AEPG) include a leisure complex, up to 1,500 homes, a hotel, primary school and a care home. Two separate applications have been submitted - the first would see all of the showground's buildings demolished, except for the indoor arena, and 650 dwellings put in their place. A second application would see a further 850 homes, a 250-bed hotel, the school and a leisure village created, which are expected to include bowling and mini-golf facilities. The charity East of England Agricultural Society (EEAS) is the owner of the showground. AEPG said Peterborough Panthers' use of it had "only ever been on a season-by-season basis", adding there had "never been a long term commitment". It said it had experienced "significant costs" since becoming the site's operator in 2021 and "there was no ability to commit to a 2024 speedway season". "AEPG and the current owners of the Panthers are in conversation about the removal of any elements owned by Peterborough Speedway," the company added. "We are sorry to hear the club has not found a new home in this time." What reaction has there been?Sport England, an independent body whose board members are appointed by the secretary of state for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, have lodged an official objection to the development plans. In a detailed submission to Peterborough City Council, its principal planning manager Stuart Morgans wrote: "The applicant has not addressed the loss of the existing sports facility in their supporting information. "As such, there would seem to be insufficient information provided to assess the loss of the existing sports facility in accordance with the relevant policies." Sport England and Peterborough Panthers have been approached for comment. 'Absolute tragedy' Peter Oakes, former owner of the Peterborough Panthers, said speedway events had been an "integral part of the city's sporting culture". "You walk around the city and people will stop you and talk about speedway," he told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. He said it was an "absolute tragedy" there was no alternative site in the city for the team. Supporters have organised a rally in support of the team's fight for survival on Saturday. What next for Peterborough Panthers?A six-person consortium is looking at a possible takeover of the team. The group is also asking AEPG to reconsider closing the track. AEPG said the current Panthers owner Keith Chapman had begun removing the speedway track and other items he owned. A spokesperson said it would not be feasible to put a speedway track within the development plan. Mick Bratley, a member of the consortium, said: "It's been our home for 53 years, we're not looking to find a new home, we want to stay at the showground. "It's a real family sport and we need that sort of thing in this pressured way of life," he added. Wayne Fitzgerald, the former leader of Peterborough City Council, told a virtual meeting the team's future was "a difficult issue" with "no easy answer". He said: "We [the council] have been racking our brains for months. I have to say we're at a loss at the moment [for where the team could move to]. "Whatever we can do to facilitate something, we will do. But I have to say nobody officially from the club or anywhere else has approached me or the council in any form or way." bbc.com/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire 18/11/23
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Post by admin on Nov 18, 2023 22:18:56 GMT
Not exactly ideal conditions for todays protest!!! Yesterday the Met Office looked really grim for today until lunchtime but the rain has stopped by 10am and it's just a cloudy day forecast. Should hopefully be a good turnout and positive day of action. GET DOWN IN TO PETERBOROUGH CITY CENTRE (SAT 18 NOV) IF YOU'RE ABLE: “We will have bikes on display and riders will be in attendance and we urge as many people as possible to turn up and show their support, even if they don’t go to the speedway, but don’t think speedway should be lost to the city. “Peterborough shouldn’t want to lose a major sporting attraction, a sport that brings visitors to the city and provides income for our local businesses. “We want as many supporters as possible to bring flags, scarves, or anything speedway related in our traditional club colours of black and red to wave. “We want to put on a colourful show to emphasize the unity of our family sport. We want to make it a party atmosphere and spread the word that Peterborough needs speedway.” There will be speeches from the Guildhall steps from 1.30pm and the campaigners have also been given council permission to hand out leaflets outlining their opposition to the planning application. |
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