TWO businessmen are set to make a last-ditch bid to re-introduce greyhound racing to Walthamstow Stadium - with the backing of some high-profile names.


Housing association London & Quadrant (L&Q) had an application approved to turn the Chingford Road site into a housing estate earlier this year and is now waiting for London mayor Boris Johnson to sign it off.


With a decision expected when the Olympics end, Bob Morton, who has had previous bids for the site turned down, has joined forces with Walthamstow property developer Frank Taylor in an attempt to persuade L&Q to sell up.


It is believed they plan to offer £16 million for the site, which L&Q paid a reported £18million for in 2007, and develop a racing track alongside affordable housing.


The move is supported by Chingford MP Iain Duncan Smith, who attacked L&Q and vowed to use his influence in an attempt to force L&Q to the negotiating table.


He has previously accused the housing association of acting like a property speculator in delaying the development of the site and insisted the community wants to see the return of racing.


He said: "L&Q is in a shambles. They must recognise they have got this very badly wrong. They absolutely must meet, if they don't then I would have to go back to the secretary of state to question their right and status as social housing providers."

The latest attempt has also been backed by former Tottenham Hotspur Harry Redknapp.


He said: "As an owner of many greyhounds it would be fantastic should Walthamstow [Stadium] reopen as a greyhound track. It would receive my full support not just on the opening night, but many other race nights." 


A spokeswoman for Boris Johnson said he still waiting for documentation from Waltham Forest Council.


The mayor has previously expressed concern over the viability of L&Q's plan, which is expected to make a large loss in the short-term.

An L&Q spokesman said: “We remain committed to developing our plans for the Walthamstow Stadium site, which following approval by the London Borough of Waltham Forest’s planning committee, are currently being considered by the Greater London Authority.”


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