'City's sporting heartbeat is becoming increasingly faint' Running track appeal

BRISTOL'S “sporting heartbeat is becoming increasingly faint” according to a triathlon world champion due to controversial plans to build housing on a running track.

- Alex SEABROOK Local democracy reporter

But talks are under way about finding an alternative location for a new track within a kilometre of the existing one.

For more than half a century, runners have enjoyed using the Whitchurch Athletics Track to train. But they potentially have only a few years left there, before Goram Homes, the developer owned by Bristol City Council, destroys the track and uses the site to build new housing.

More than 6,500 have signed a petition calling for the running track to be saved, with almost 4,000 of those living in Bristol, forcing a debate in a full council meeting.

Councillors were urged to consider the “social cost” of losing the athletics track.

Chrissie Wellington OBE, a four-time Ironman Triathlon World Champion and world record holder, said: “The planned demolition of the 52-year-old Whitchurch Athletics Track is antithetical to the council's vision for improved health and wellbeing and reduction in inequalities.

“I made Bristol my home because I believed it had such a strong, loud sporting heart.