SPEEDWAY giants Cradley Heathens want to build a new home in Dudley Council's proposed business park in Halesowen.

Dudley Council's cabinet agreed last week to look further into the development of a new business park on green belt land near Junction 3 of the M5 and the Heathens want to be part of it.

Heathens director Nigel Pearson has already held talks with Dudley Council leader Councillor Pete Lowe.

He will now formally write to the council to ask for inclusion in the proposals via provision of a sporting facility away from residential space.

However, talks are ongoing concerning another site in the borough between the club and council officials undertaking a "bid to overcome obstacles."

Mr Pearson said: “It remains clear that council leader Pete Lowe wants to see Cradley return to a track closer to the old Dudley Wood site.

“And whilst the M5 J3 project will inevitably meet objections because of the green belt issue, if the project gets the go ahead we want to be a part of it.

"The suggestion was met in a positive manner.

“We would look to be a part of a multi-sport facility at the venue with easy access to the motorway network. I will now write formally to the council asking for their consideration."

He said: “On another piece of land, whilst there are stumbling blocks I have been assured council officials are looking at ways in which it could happen, but there’s a lot of work on that.

“Naturally there is nothing lined up for next year with a track of our own, the talks I’ve had were more in looking two or three years down the line, but there is clearly a desire where Pete Lowe is concerned to do everything possible to get us back in the area.

“And the first thing he referred to in the meeting was how he keeps getting told the supporters have continued to back us at Perry Barr. He also said he was disappointed with the result last Wednesday against the Brummies so we need to put that right!

“As a management team we are continuing to do all we can to secure the future of this club, that includes short term seeing us through to October at Perry Barr in a viable situation which means we need the fans to stay with us.

“I’m pleased by the attitude of the council right now and thank them for their hospitality at the council house.”