Track Updates

Meadowbank Track Closure - Council Tricks Upset Locals
Dateline 18 April 2008
I’m sure that Edinburgh is not the only local council where promises are broken - or where consultation with the tax-payers is purely nominal. But they may have over stepped the mark this time. According to the protest web site “The "public consultation" that ended on March 30th started with the words, "it has been agreed that the existing Meadowbank Sports Centre site will be sold" and then goes on to seek comment on the flats etc that will replace it.” In other words the council first decided to sell the site - then limited the public consultation to what would be built instead.
The Save Meadowbank (2007) web site made the point that “The decision had already been made without ANY public input, but now, because of 600+ articulate but angry locals and athletes, Anderson is now running scared.”

This is a argument that has now been running for over 12 months. The latest blog and Cycling Weekly report give the current picture better than I can - but it seems the end is nigh.

Comments
I never cease to be amazed how “public bodies” can operate in such a protected environment that they can ignore the wishes of the people with total impunity. They seem to believe - with good reason it seems - that they can do anything that suits their personal preferences or interests and no one can stop them. So now Meadowbank Velodrome looks like it has become the latest victim of the untouchables - and clearly newspeak firmly applies to the term public servant.

First Team GB have their best ever results at the World Track Championships and then Meadowbank is sold for flats! So much for .... backing sport, fight obesity and helping athletes aiming for the 2012 Olympics. Perhaps the 3 million pounds raised by selling Harlow Track could be donated to a reliable group charged with building a new track in Edinburgh. Perhaps pigs can fly.