DOG racing fans have launched a campaign in an attempt to persuade the council to buy Walthamstow Stadium and return it to its original use.

Owner London and Quadrant (L&Q) is currently finalising plans for a 300-home development of the site.

But campaign group Save Our Stow says L&Q should be forced to sell the land to protect the borough’s heritage.

It said a reopened venue – complete with affordable housing – will rejuvenate the local economy.

Bob Morton, a millionaire businessman who has offered to buy the site and reintroduce greyhound racing, is set to write to the council in the coming days to argue the case for a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO).

SOS’s Ricky Holloway said: “We’re confident we’ve got a very strong case and this could be the key to getting the site from L&Q.

”Campaigners met politicians, including Chingford MP Iain Duncan Smith and Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy, on Friday to discuss the future of the iconic site.

However, none of the politicians have publicly backed a CPO and the Guardian understands there is scepticism over the move and concern about the potential cost.

But SOS’s legal adviser Brian Hall insisted there is a clear business case for the dog track.

Mr Duncan Smith said: “We discussed a range of options.

“The main thing now is keeping the pressure up on L&Q.”

Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Bob Sullivan said: “We did discuss the compulsory purchase idea but it would be a difficult thing to do.

"Bob Morton’s plans for the site would be great for Waltham Forest.”

Meanwhile, L&Q is is yet to say when it will submit a planning application for the site.

MP Stella Creasy has not commented on the CPO.

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