The fight to save Hereford Racecourse is on (From Hereford Times)

The fight to save Hereford Racecourse is on

4:30pm Thursday 2nd August 2012 in News By Bill Tanner

Herefordshire Council leader John Jarvis has staked his title on a future for Hereford racecourse.

Councillor Jarvis told the Hereford Times he would resign rather than see houses built on the council-owned site that dates back to 1771.

News of the impending closure last Friday quickly sparked speculation that the cash-strapped council would sell the course and its surrounds to developers.

This week the council said it wants to tempt the Arena Leisure and Northern Racing group – which described the racecrouse was “unviable” after - back to the table offering a new 125-year lease and scope to build a hotel and conference centre.

At the same time, Byton-based Richard Lee, one of the country’s top racehorse trainers, has said he would spearheada rescue bid for the course.

• See this week’s Hereford Times for more on the fight to save Hereford Racecouse, including details of a public meeting.

Future of the golf course?

Alex Haines, general manager of Hereford Leisure Centre said that any closure of the racecourse would not affect the adjacent municipal golf course or other activities the centre offers around the site.

Mr Haines said: “I think many people see the racecourse announcement as the whole area closing when in reality the green space in the centre will operate as normal for walkers, runners, and all the other sports on offer.”