A CAMPAIGN group against greyhound racing has handed in nearly 1,000 cards calling for the stadium in Westhoughton to be closed.

Campaign Against Greyhound Exploitation and Death (CAGED) North West believe the stadium should be bulldozed to make way for homes.

Applicant Ian Holden has applied to transform the site into 24 four-bedroom homes, four two-bedroom homes and 10 three-bedroom homes.

He has previously told residents at Westhou-ghton Town Council that leasing the land out for Westhoughton Greyhound Stadium is no longer sustainable.

Campaigner Rita James, for CAGED, believes closing the stadium to make way for houses will provide a boost to Westhoughton town centre, saying: “These people who live in the houses will bring business to the area because they will use the cafes and the hairdressers. It will help the area to grow.”

Ms James has raised concern about grey-hound racing and believes it is cruel to the animals. She owns a rescued greyhound, Chaplin, which she believes was formerly used for racing.

The cards calling for the stadium to close were signed by people across Bolton and the North West.

The flapping track is one of only two left in the North West, along with another in Ellesmere Port. Supp-orters of greyhound racing have been calling for the stadium to stay open to save people’s jobs and to allow supporters to continue their hobby.

Westhoughton Town Council voted against the proposals but Bolton Council will make the decision. The consult-ation period is over.