A BUSINESSMAN and a property developer could go head-to-head in a race to buy Westhoughton Greyhound Stadium.

The two men are both believed to be bidding to take over the site, which is on sale for about £300,000.

The developer, who has first option on the site, is understood to be thinking of either turning it into a garden centre or leasing it to dog fans.

A sports consultant has confirmed that a businessman he is acting for also wants to buy the track, maintain it as a greyhound venue and improve the facilities.

The stadium hosts three race meetings a week in front of more than 150 spectators.

The developer was unavailable for comment yesterday and his solicitor was unable to confirm his plans.

John Hutchinson, from the Chorley New Road-based Sports Concepts consultancy, is brokering the deal for the businessman, but would not reveal his name.

Mr Hutchinson said: "He is well-known in Bolton as a businessman and as a lover of greyhound racing.

"He already has enough money to buy the stadium, to resurface the track, to upgrade the bar and to do other work."

The Westhoughton Greyhound Owners and Trainers Association has been set up by racing fans to try to keep the track open. It is feared that some owners may have to get their greyhounds put down if it shuts.

The nearest other independent track is at Ellesmere Port, in Cheshire.

Only owners with special licences can race their dogs at Manchester's Belle Vue stadium.

Westhoughton councillors recently turned down a plan to separate a house on the site from the town's Wigan Road stadium.

They asked track owner Arthur Brightcliffe to give them more information within 14 days. Planning rules state that the house can only be occupied by a person who works at the stadium.

Dog owners fear the plan, if successful, could allow an application to change the use of the site.

A decision is unlikely to be made until next month.