Cradley Heathens bosses seek to ease noise fears over new track

The supporters' trust which has drawn up the plans for the track, which could be built at the Lion Farm Estate in Oldbury, off the Wolverhampton Road, have vowed to work with residents.

The trust has moved to ease any fears the proposed track could impact on the lives of people living in the area.

Sandwell Council leader Steve Eling said he believed the potential arrival of a speedway track could cause concerns among residents.

The Heathens are hoping to move to the Oldbury site to end their 22-year search for a permanent home.

And Mark Robinson, from the club's supporters' trust, said experts were focused on making the arena as neighbour-friendly as possible.

"Our designs are for the speedway track to be a big bowl with an acoustic fence. We are talking to acoustic professionals to make sure it is right," he said.

"We have just put the planning application. There is a lot of work ahead of us, a lot of talking with the council and people from the Lion Farm.

"Hopefully, we can convince them this is a good project for the area."

Cradley Heathens have been without a permanent home since 1995 when their Dudley Wood track was sold for housing.

The club has been track sharing with rivals Wolverhampton and Birmingham since reforming in 2010.

Attempts to find a site close to their Cradley roots in the Dudley borough have failed to come to fruition, which Mr Robinson admitted was frustrating.

But he added the club was now focusing on the chosen site on Oldbury.

The proposals for the Queens Field site in Oldbury include a number of other sporting facilities including cricket and rugby pitches, a BMX track and basketball courts.

Mr Robinson said: "It's a very exciting time. A lot of people at the trust have been working hard behind the scenes.

"We are looking, if we can, to produce some home-grown talent and to get to the top league again