Tarn Close greyhound track plans shelved

Last updated 11:44, Saturday, 05 April 2008

PLANS to build a greyhound track at Tarn Close, Cockermouth have been shelved.

Councillors agreed on Wednesday night to abandon the idea, after a barrage of emails, telephone calls and letters criticising the idea.

Town councillor Alan Smith said: “I think that if no promoters come forward, we can’t do it.”

Alan Kennon said: “I think we should just draw a line under it. To me it is just a non-starter.”

Margaret Jackson said: “Cockermouth is not the place for this.”

Andrew Donnelly, of Woodside Avenue, Cockermouth, suggested the idea to Mr Smith.

He said: “I suggested greyhound racing as there is a void in Cumbria and the nearest places we can go to enjoy our sport is Gretna or over in the North East.

“I think a greyhound track would be great for Cumbria and in Cockermouth would provide jobs and make use of a civic amenity.”

Mr and Mrs Dennis, of Lorton Road, Cockermouth, said: “While there are worse things that could be proposed - speedway was one of them - I am struggling with 200 quiet dogs and 500 people outside my bathroom window.”

Alexander and Ann Smith, of Towers Lane, said: “I would suggest that this is one of the most ridiculous ideas to have emerged from the council for many a year.