Collapse of athletics club is feared

Cannock and Stafford Athletics Club could fold with Cannock Stadium now closed, its president fears.

Derek Fellows says the club, founded in 1953 as Cannock Chase Athletics Club before merging with Stafford Athletics Club in the mid-1980s, could lose members to others with facilities closer to their homes.

The 380 member club's final training session at the stadium took place last night. Mr Fellows, associated with the club for nearly 30 years ago, said: "It is a severe worry for us. I have already heard a rumour that one athlete is going to another club.

"I am not saying it will happen. We should be OK for now as it is nearly the end of the season. We don't know how it will pan out."

The javelin team will train at Tamworth and pole vaulters are considering whether to train at Stafford or Birchfield.

A public inquiry has been held over Cannock Chase Council's plan sell the stadium for 350 houses – releasing £20 million to revamp leisure facilities with a replacement track earmarked at Blake Valley Technology College, Marston Road, Hednesford. A promised replacement facility was not delivered by the time of closure.