Last updated at 12:24, Friday, 23 July 2010

Workington Comets have secured the future of speedway in the town for the next three years.

Keith Denham

Comets owner Keith Denham has received planning permission for the next three years to keep speedway at Derwent Park and he hopes that permission will be continued after 2013.

The agreement means that Denham has shelved plans for a new speedway stadium in Workington which he announced in November of last year.

Denham, who is also managing director of construction firm Thomas Armstrong, said: “It was very important to keep the entertainment of speedway in Workington for the fans.

“Allerdale council have realised that it is vital to keep the speedway in the town and so have supported the permission.

“Keeping the speedway in Workington is going to be good for the area so I am pleased we have secured it for the next three years.”

Denham sees no problem with the sport continuing at Derwent Park and has already had talks with Workington Town chairman Dave Bowden about the future of the sport at the stadium.

He also felt that ongoing developments in the Oldside area meant that Denham felt that the area was a no go for a new speedway stadium.He said: “Derwent Park is the best home for the Comets and I don’t see any reason why the permission will not be extended for a further three years after 2013.”

Workington Town chairman Dave Bowden said: “I am delighted that the Comets have secured this permission to go forward.

“Derwent Park provides a wonderful setting for speedway and although there will have to be compromises I am pleased the Comets have secured the permission.

“The relationship between the speedway and rugby league is an important one and working together with the Comets should see a benefit to both clubs.”

Meanwhile Comets go into this weekend’s match with Rye House on the back of their excellent victory over Somerset last weekend.

Comets will be using rider replacement at number four for Peter Kildemand who is away riding in a Danish under 21 qualifying round while Rye House have 16 year old Australian Robert Branford as a guest.

The match, which begins at 7pm at Derwent Park, will also see children allowed in free if accompanied by an adult a promotion which Denham said will run until the end of the season.

The Rye House match is the second in a succession of three home meetings for the Comets, who hope to continue their excellent home form this season to push themselves up the league.

First published at 11:25, Friday, 23 July 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk