DEVELOPERS seeking to re-locate Bolton dog track have looked at five sites. As reported in the Evening News recently, the Raven Group from London is seeking planning permission for a £10m leisure and entertainment centre at Raikes Park, Manchester Road - the Bolton greyhound stadium since 1927. Raven has also said that the intention is to build an alternative £2m development elsewhere to include facilities for greyhound racing, stock cars and speedway.

It is due to be run by the present management of the Bolton Greyhound Racing Company, led by chairman Brian Rodden.

Doug White, land director of the Raven Group, said today that he and Mr Rodden had spent a week looking at possible locations - one in Darwen and four in Bolton.

"We hope to be discussing terms with at least two of the owners," Mr White said.

"We expect to know in the next two weeks whether we can take one of them forward."

He denied a rumour that one of the proposed sites is Burnden Park - due to be vacated when Bolton Wanderers move to a new stadium in Horwich.

The new dog track site would also include a restaurant, conference facility, night club and health and fitness centre.

Meanwhile, plans have been submitted to Bolton Council for the Raven Group's proposed development on the nine-acre site in Manchester Road.

Intended facilities include a multiplex cinema and a 28-lane bowling alley.

"I have confirmation from two cinema operators of their interest in this site," Mr White said.

He pointed out that not everybody drove to the cinema these days - Manchester Road was on a main bus route.

He said contracts to buy the greyhound track site had been concluded - "subject to satisfactory planning consent."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.