The battle for Plough Lane is far from over, as the greyhound racers have had their lease extended in the face of a new campaign by AFC Wimbledon fans.

Football fans around the world were left in shock last month after the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, decided to “call in” AFC Wimbledon’s plans for a new stadium due to “significant issues of controversy”.

The Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium was due to officially close on Saturday, June 18, as AFC Wimbledon prepared to demolish the site and begin building its new stadium.

However, the greyhound stadium has now secured a six month extension to its lease with owner Galliard Homes, with the possibility of a two year rolling contract if AFC Wimbledon’s plans are finally rejected.

Meanwhile, AFC Wimbledon supporters are urging all London-based fans to join their “London Calling” campaign, and write to the mayoral candidates to ask them to approve the stadium plans once they enter office.

April 13: AFC WIMBLEDON: Fans urge London to get behind stadium move

The consultation process for the plans, which include an 11,000 seat stadium which will be expanded to 20,000 seats, 602 flats, a squash and fitness centre and a number of shops, will begin again after the mayoral election on May 5.

Wimbledon Times:

An artist's impression of the new stadium

April 12: Sadiq Khan may give AFC Wimbledon's controversial Plough Lane plan green light as Mayor despite previous objections

A spokesman for the Greyhound Board of Great Britain confirmed the lease had been extended, and both the Leger Derby and the Puppy Derby would still take place.

He said: “The next mayor will decide. We will be making representations to the new mayor.

“Nothing is certain, but I would say greyhound fans should be confident.”

Chief executive of AFC Wimbledon, Erik Samuelson, insisted the lease extension would not impact the stadium plans, and said he was “delighted” by the fan response to the new campaign.

Mr Samuelson said: “It’s going extremely well. We had an email from one of Zac Goldsmith’s team late last week saying they get many campaigns but this is by some distance the biggest they have ever received.

March 31: Pitch battle: Wandsworth and Merton council leaders clash as Boris Johnson "calls in" stadium plans for Plough Lane

“The extension is good business sense by Galliards. I’m not troubled by it. We’re still planning for a summer 2018 opening. This hasn’t helped, but we can do it. That’s what we are continuing to plan for. The extra six months doesn’t affect that.

“One would hope, and I would expect, a new mayor would need a good planning reason to refuse it, and there isn’t one.

“Three groups of experts have all said there’s no planning reason to refuse this, so I’m hoping and I’m expecting a new mayor would say the same thing.”

March 23: AFC Wimbledon: What does the Boris call-in mean for Plough Lane?

Wimbledon Don’s speedway team are also readying for action, after almost 12,000 people signed a petition to keep the current stadium and its motor sporting history.

A grand reunion of riders and fans, as well as a tribute for Wimbledon speedway legend Tommy Jansson who died in 1976, will be held on May 21 at The Watermill in  Merton Abbey Mills.

The event will begin at 7pm. Tickets cost £10, and can be purchased by emailing thedonsden@hotmail.com