Croft under threat!!!!! (merged) and merged again!

[JimW]

It is interesting to read the decision in the Mansell Karting case (which allowed Mansell's operation to continue with expansion plans) as the judge specifically said that the circuit was operating (for noise) within its planning conditions and could continue. I must say that I don't understand the differences between that case and the Croft one.

Jim

[Chris Y]

Originally Posted by davyboy

There have been recent noise situations that threatened to shut two famous kart tracks with 40+ year racing histories - Little Rissington in Gloucester and Dunkeswell [aka Mansell Raceway] in Devon. Thankfully both resulted in positive outcomes, the Dunkeswell judgement arriving just last Friday.

Dunkeswell looks like it may rumble on: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/7855542.stm

Possibly as a result of the Croft ruling, possibly not.

[Al Weyman]

I think a march on parliement should be called for! If we don't start getting proactive NOW this whole thing is going to collapse.

[chunder]

I rememebr years back at a well established short oval stadium they had been getting complaints from a local artist.

He was onto the council etc and one Saturday night the promotion team went to the track when there was no meeting on, put on the floodlights and did some basic admin, track repaits, tidying up, made no noise.

Sure enough the guy complains, what he didnt realise was that during thsi Saturday the promoter had been proactive and got a council guy down to verify that there was no meeting taking place.

All you need often is a little ingenuity and luck, Crofts case is all about law and defence lawyers winning a case.

It's very sad but the repercussions are what scare me.

[davyboy]

Originally Posted by Al Weyman

I think a march on parliement should be called for! If we don't start getting proactive NOW this whole thing is going to collapse.

Joking aside, this problem does warrant some form of deregation from the law and achieving that, not 'working with local residents', is the only approach that's going resolve this problem.

[bella]

i think there's scope to attract more attention to the cause. a starting poing is to do something random that would get the papers attention. the idiots who protested at stansted only succeeded in making the existing campaign run by residents look bad, so the more law abiding the better. perhaps someone knows someone involved with non-conventional advertising who could assist in generating ideas.

for anyone who races a car with blank spaces on the cars could stickers supporting croft circuit.

perhaps someone with spare time perhaps who lives nearby could ask locals who are happy living nearby to put signs in their yards by the road supporting the circuit.

maybe the circuit could improve its information system and supply a newsletter to the residents affected by the noise with calendar dates on so they're aware of dates to demonstrate to any appeal that they're willing to make allowances and listen to the locals.

it's easy enough to get the papers attention and the support of big tv motoring names like top gear etc if you've got the appropriate people doing the contacting and a group of people willing to make noise about the cause and speak intelligently and accurately about the topic.

[Richard Sneader]

This stinks. Do gooders and a****les again. It seems obviuose to me these idiots sit at home all day during the week, so are they sponging of the goverment and sit at home all weekend.
Get a life on a diferent planet and leave our sport alone. At least motorsport puts something back into the community and safety for car drivers through technology. What have these numpties given.
For anyone who is planning to do the same go and speak to whoever you bought your house from and sue them as they forgot to tell you a race track is nearby. Then move away.
These people make me sick.Signed up to facebook for Croft to show support.
RS

[SEATFreak]

I will miss the venue - living as I do in the northeast.

I have just sent a very emotional email to Croft explaining how I feel about this issue.

However, I did also take the opportunity to ask them whether or not, despite this, they are confident of continuing. I hope to get a reply soon.

[davyboy]

Originally Posted by SEATFreak

I will miss the venue - living as I do in the northeast.

I have just sent a very emotional email to Croft explaining how I feel about this issue.

However, I did also take the opportunity to ask them whether or not, despite this, they are confident of continuing. I hope to get a reply soon.

Its your local MP you should be writing to and telling him how many jobs will be lost as a result of this decision. In fact all of us should be writing to our local MPs. The situation's very simple and its all down to economics -

Close down all the tracks in Britain and you will improve the peace and quiet of a small minority while simultaneously eliminating the motorsport industry and all the jobs related to it [40K/50K I believe]. This is not a good time to be closing down industries and tossing jobs... MPs will be only too aware of this.

The legal framework needs to be changed as under the present legislation its not easy to successfully pitch an economic benefit against an environmental nuisance.

[GeoffH]

Originally Posted by Al Weyman

I think a march on parliement should be called for!

You need permission from plod for that these days.

Might as well move to somewhere with a bit of freedom. Any of the former Soviet States would be an improvement.

[rdjones]

There are some interesting comments from a local resident on a well know British Rally forum the other night, the chap in question said the he lives about 400 yrds from the track and the noice doesn't both him personally.

He went on to say that everything is his view very well controlled and the organisation for the major events exceptional with the one way running of the roads etc. The only issue he has is when spectators leave the circuit they deposit half the rubber from their tyres at the junction near the track.

He also said that he will not be in the queue at the solicitors unlike some of his more opportunistic neighbours may choose. As he is a firm believer of supporting the circuit who bend over backwards to bring top class events to the region.

[flagwaver]

Further statement from Croft
Wednesday 28th January 2009
For immediate release



FURTHER STATEMENT FROM CROFT CIRCUIT

Croft Promosport would like to express their gratitude to all those people who have contributed to the overwhelming and unprecedented support, which has been shown for the Circuit in this difficult period. However, we would ask that all people show respect for the Court of Appeal's decision and the rights and privacy of the Claimants in those proceedings.

Ends

[Adam43]

Is that 'Stop playing loud music outside their house, alright'?

[Al Weyman]

I was'nt joking Davy!

[SEATFreak]

Originally Posted by davyboy

Its your local MP you should be writing to and telling him how many jobs will be lost as a result of this decision.

I don't think it was the decicion of South Shields MP David Milliband.

[Mr.Jingles]

Originally Posted by bella

i think there's scope to attract more attention to the cause. a starting poing is to do something random that would get the papers attention. the idiots who protested at stansted only succeeded in making the existing campaign run by residents look bad, so the more law abiding the better. perhaps someone knows someone involved with non-conventional advertising who could assist in generating ideas.

for anyone who races a car with blank spaces on the cars could stickers supporting croft circuit.

perhaps someone with spare time perhaps who lives nearby could ask locals who are happy living nearby to put signs in their yards by the road supporting the circuit.

maybe the circuit could improve its information system and supply a newsletter to the residents affected by the noise with calendar dates on so they're aware of dates to demonstrate to any appeal that they're willing to make allowances and listen to the locals.

it's easy enough to get the papers attention and the support of big tv motoring names like top gear etc if you've got the appropriate people doing the contacting and a group of people willing to make noise about the cause and speak intelligently and accurately about the topic.

I emailed them a while back, offering support (even a whip around). No response?

[bella]

i suspect from the circuits press releases since that there's still court proceedings going on and that any effort related to them would be not allowed?

[GeoffH]

Originally Posted by bella

i suspect from the circuits press releases since that there's still court proceedings going on and that any effort related to them would be not allowed?

There's been no official announcement about what they intend to do next and i doubt there will be until all the legal & financial work is done.

A further press release was issued today...

FURTHER STATEMENT FROM CROFT CIRCUIT:

Croft Promosport would like to express their gratitude to all those people who have contributed to the overwhelming and unprecedented support, which has been shown for the Circuit in this difficult period. However, we would ask that all people show respect for the Court of Appeal's decision and the rights and privacy of the Claimants in those proceedings.

[drjim]

Been to Croft for trackdays four times now, and love it. I do wonder how many of the local hotels pubs petrol stations and shops will stay in business if croft circuit closes.

[Eddy V]

Nimby people don't think about that, they are just selfish and in this case greedy as well.

[Middle_BBG]

Originally Posted by drjim

Been to Croft for trackdays four times now, and love it. I do wonder how many of the local hotels pubs petrol stations and shops will stay in business if croft circuit closes.

The local pub and hotel take between 30-40% of their takings from Croft. If the circuit's restrictions are imposed, both say they'll struggle to stay in business.

I will still make the 650 mile round trip to marshal there as long as there are meetings. It's a fantastic venue with amiable spectators and friendly marshals.

Unfortunately the implications if the appeal fails worries me for the future of all motorsports in England.

[PhilChicken]

Croft is one of the main reasons I am in motorsport.

Having competed and marshaled there with some commited enthusiasts.
Losing Croft would be another nail in the coffin.

It could sound the end of club level motorsport in the uk if the appeal fails.

[flagwaver]

What appeal? The hearing we are talking about was the appeal.
The high Court did not grant them leave to appeal to the house of lords.
which is what makes the whole thing even more scary.

[Al Weyman]

I was thinking the same thing, I thought it was a done deal end of story.

[WJM]

There is an interesting article about Croft here: http://bikesportnews.com/columns/art...tml?id=2&col=1
It sums up the situation I think.