Campaigners opposing the plans to build a new football stadium in Plough Lane have delivered their petition to Downing Street.

The campaigners, who want to see the current grounds maintained for stock car racing, received over 13,600 signatures on their petition, which also raised concerns about transport infrastructure, flooding on the site, traffic congestion and worries about plans for policing large match day crowds.

The current Greyhound Stadium in Plough Lane, where the stock car racing takes place, is due to be demolished to make way for AFC Wimbledon’s new football stadium.

Wimbledon Times:

Wimbledon Stadium

Merton Council originally approved the plans for a 20,000 seat stadium – beginning as 11,000 – as well as 602 flats and a range of amenities in December 2015.

Before the permission could be formally cleared, the former Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, made the controversial decision to ‘call in’ the plans for further scrutiny in March following widespread opposition from residents, greyhound racers and stock car campaigners.

August 22: 'All systems go': Sadiq Khan hands back Plough Lane AFC Wimbledon stadium decision to Merton Council

However, his successor, Sadiq Khan, handed the decision back to Merton Council in August this year, and the plans were given the final go-ahead in September.

Campaigner Michael Burnage MBE travelled to Downing Street for the presentation of the petition on December 9, and said there were real concerns over the future of their sport.

Mr Burnage said: “We will obviously lose a major stadium from our sport, and will have to work even harder to maintain it. We don’t get the luxury of Lottery funding.

“This is a proper grass roots motor sport that provides a basis for future champions. Several F1 drivers started in stock car racing.

September 7: Stock car racing campaigners claim they were kept in the dark and ignored over AFC Wimbledon's Plough Lane plans

“Our last meeting is March 26, as things stand. From there, things are uncertain, being brutally honest.”

Former Formula One racing driver, Derek Warwick, has also been campaigning to keep stock car racing in Wimbledon. 

Mr Warwick said: “Wimbledon Stadium is the only stadium in London that can hold short track motor racing.

“Its history and heritage should be kept, otherwise another sport will disappear and that’s wrong.”

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