Iconic UK Greyhound Stadium Closes

THE United Kingdom's iconic Peterborough Greyhound Stadium will cease racing with immediate effect following 75 years of operation.

On Tuesday, the Perkins family, which have been conducting racing at the Fengate venue since 1945, announced on Facebook that after careful thought and consideration it was calling time on greyhound racing at the venue.

"This is a decision that has not been taken lightly and has been taken in conjunction with and on the advice of our accountants," the statement read.

"Long term, we are advised that the site cannot make a sufficient return to continue operating profitably as a greyhound racing stadium.

"We are an evening greyhound racing venue and rely heavily on income from customers attending the venue to eat, drink, and bet to survive.

Without the substantial number of visitors we have experienced in the run up to the current coronavirus outbreak, and the prospect of this not being achieved in even the longer term as social distancing measures remain in place, the long-term viability of continuing to trade from the site as a greyhound racing stadium is unsustainable."

The decision has been expedited by the current coronavirus pandemic which has forced racing in the UK to halt while trading at the venue's dining facilities ceased trading at the venue entirely.

"We would also like to thank all those patrons who have visited and enjoyed a night`s racing with us over the years.

"The company remains active, and we are looking at other opportunities."

Racing at the stadium took place every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday before the outbreak which forced the grandstand and other amenities to close.