MEMBERS behind the campaign to reinstate greyhound racing at Walthamstow Stadium have hit out at reports it will soon become a residential development.

Save Our Stow campaign leader Ricky Holloway told the Racing Post he was surprised that developer John Hitchcox had been quoted as saying a planning application for “a large residential scheme” would be in before Christmas.

Mr Holloway said: “I thought we had an agreement with London & Quadrant that nothing would be said in the media with negotiations taking place.”

Greyhound owner Nick Budimir, who is in negotiations with London & Quadrant housing association for a return to racing, also criticised the comments of Mr Hitchcox, the chairman of Yoo Capital- a partner in the original purchase of the site with L&Q.

Mr Budimir said: “The best result for greyhound racing would be for L&Q and its partners to apply for planning permission, giving the people of Walthamstow the opportunity through their elected representatives to get the application rejected and the land returned to the leisure facilities it was always intended for”.