By Paul Crute

Last updated at 11:49, Monday, 24 September 2012

Workington Comets fans have launched a Save Our Speedway campaign after owner Keith Denham said the club may have to close at the end of the season.

Supporters at the meeting

Mr Denham initially threatened to pull the plug on the side before the end of the season because of financial losses that he had suffered over the past seven to eight weeks.

He has now agreed to run until the end of the year but is looking for someone to come and take the club on.

He said to fans that if more than 1,000 people turned up for Saturday’s match with Leicester he would give them a £5 refund on their admission ticket.

A total of 771 people attended the meeting which, he said, would mean he would just about break even. Only 495 attended the Glasgow match last week.

The Workington Speedway Supporters Club has launched a Save Our Speedway campaign calling on fans to cheer on the team until the end of the season.

It is hoped the support in the final weeks of the season will convince Mr Denham speedway is worth saving.

George Sermon, supporters club chairman, said: “This is devastating news. Be it the current financial climate, atrocious weather, injuries or just plain apathy, we have got to the point where we are in danger of losing our club for good.

“We appeal to all Comets supporters to get down to Derwent Park for the remaining home meetings to support the club and save our speedway.”

Julie Davidson, 40, of Nilsson Drive, Workington, said: “We need to show Keith the support is there this season for speedway to continue.

“It is a great family night out and there not many other places you can take your kids out on a Saturday night.”

Jerry Irving, 52, of Chapel Brow, Bridgefoot, said: “I am so pleased we have been given a lifeline until the end of the season and we need to take this opportunity with both hands.”

Neil Armstrong, 47, of Ling Beck Park, Seaton, said: “The fans have got to prove they want speedway in the town. I have been going for 42 years and seen it fold and come back but if it goes this time I don’t think it will ever come back.”

Helen Donovan, 49, of Trinity Court, Workington, said: “I know the economy is harsh at the minute but Keith did not alter the price of speedway for the first three years. When he did change it, it only went up a pound.”

First published at 11:24, Monday, 24 September 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk