EXCLUSIVE: West Common racecourse plan pulled after council officers’ report
A PLAN to bring horse racing back to Lincoln's West Common has fallen at the first hurdle – dealing its backers a potentially crippling blow.
The Lincoln Racecourse Regeneration Company has withdrawn its proposal for the return of flat racing to the common land from Monday's meeting of the City of Lincoln Council's executive committee.
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An aerial view of West Common where the Lincoln Racecourse Regeneration Company is hoping to see the return of flat racing.
Lincoln MP Karl McCartney and local accountant Karen Rastall, directors of the company, were hoping the council would grant a "heads of term lease" – a decision that effectively leaves the door open for development.
If given the go-ahead, this show of what Mrs Rastall termed "political will" would have provided them with the impetus to draw up a costly masterplan.
But the company has announced it would withdraw the proposal and slammed the council officers' report to the executive committee.
Mrs Rastall said in a statement: "We are disappointed to note that the report does not reflect adequately the many and varied discussions that have taken place between ourselves and the council over the past couple of years, nor does it acknowledge the format or information requested be contained in our proposal as requested by them.
"Coupled with the fact that we delivered our proposal to the council back in January and we believe it has only been the onslaught of media attention that has encouraged them to escalate this matter onto their agenda, we think that this is further evidence of the officers' desire to kick a project as important as this into the long grass to avoid making a decision on its future.
"Under these circumstances, we feel we have no alternative but to withdraw our proposal for their current consideration."
Emile van der Zee, who coordinated the Hands Off protest campaign, said: "It is amazing news. It's the best thing I have heard."
IN YOUR ECHO: What does this mean for West Common?
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by Peter, Lincolnshire
Sunday, August 15 2010, 5:52PM
“Poor workmanship. Nothing concrete in the LRRC's proposals about infrastructure. Their document took three or was it five years to promote racecourses such as York, Doncaster, and others which are no where near a city centre such as Lincoln. The main idea behind their scheme is really to development the West Common. This common would have been taken away from the people of Lincoln to enjoy. Its biodiversity would have been destroyed as well as the common being flattened.
These are just a few which comments have been made about. But then, as with the banking industry, the horse racing fraternity would added building upon building for the sake of greed and making profit - not for the city of Lincoln!
The LRRC have become like politicians who want their cake, not only to eat for themselves, but to do as they please in using the West Common and blow every one else who object and question their motives.
Makes you wonder why they have not listened to Lincoln people - only a few who call themselves business people and who would like to make a quick buck using the name of prosperity!”
by Julian, Slovenia
Sunday, August 15 2010, 3:49PM
“Looking at this it seems that thanks to this City Council doping racket the races would have been rather slow affairs anyway.”
by Ben, Lincoln
Saturday, August 14 2010, 10:04AM
“Gillian Merron was not a good constituency MP. I wrote to her (politely) regarding a number of issues that concerned me and all I ever got back was a load of patronising 'the Government knows best' nonsense.”
by McDonald, Lincoln
Friday, August 13 2010, 10:56PM
“My heart would love to see racing again in Lincoln, but my head says the idea is a non-starter.”
by Phil, Lincoln
Friday, August 13 2010, 9:32PM
“Great News that the Race course is not going to get to the starting line. It was never going to happen. Come on Karl McCartney do what you was put into Westminster in the first place, looking after the people of Lincoln. That's all of them and not just the few!!!”
by Phil, Lincoln
Friday, August 13 2010, 9:23PM
“At last the city council has done something good. The race course was never going to get on to the starting line. Karl McCartney stop this complete waste of time and get on with doing what you were put into Westminster for in the first place and look after the people of Lincoln. That's all of them and not just the few!!!”
by NIMBY-west end, Lincoln
Friday, August 13 2010, 8:19PM
“Northern Outsider- I agree with you, I agree with all these comments about new labour. All these conservatives bad mouthing labour and defending thatcher, thatcher milk snatcher- she actually said " new labour was her greatest achievement" all blair did was continue her policies. There were some positives-- but basically he was as blue as thatcher- give him a wig and a bag and he was more femanine than she was!! when blair and then brown invited her to downing st that was the final straw- so tories-keep going- it was all your doing”
by NIMBY- west End, Lincoln
Friday, August 13 2010, 8:00PM
“I dont understand will the shire. " enjoy the financial consequences" ??? the financial consequences of what?”
by Ann, Lincoln
Friday, August 13 2010, 6:54PM
“Racing in Lincoln, anywhere in Lincoln is a financial non starter.
The British Horse-racing Authority are consistent in there message of 'harsh economic times' for racing, especially for smaller and rural courses.
Do we really imagine there is a magic wand to be waved that will instantly bring a form of 'Ascot' or 'York' to our doorstep?
There are the facilities required on the showground but for some reason the interested party's have not contemplated the option.
Lets not hand over elements of Lincoln for short term profit - can we try instead to build a future for the long term good of Lincoln?!”
by Will, The Shire
Friday, August 13 2010, 5:21PM
“Well done, NIMBYist. Enjoy this victory now, and enjoy the financial consequences in a few years time.”