PLANS to create a car driving circuit on the site of a former airfield have been likened to “waking a sleeping dragon” by a nearby resident.
John Sykes, who lives near the site of the former Royal Naval Air Station, at Stretton, near Warrington which ceased operating about 50 years ago, said: “I don’t want anyone there, but that is not going to happen.
“It is like a dragon that has been sleeping and has now been woken up. I, like others, wanted it to sleep as long as possible.”
Mr Sykes attended a meeting of Appleton Parish Council to object to an application by Richard Coe, of Appleton Autodrome Ltd, for the proposed use of part of the former airfield as a driving circuit.
Other residents also opposed the scheme and the parish council decided to lodge “strong objections” on the grounds of additional traffic on already overloaded roads.
Members were also concerned about noise, given its proximity to a major residential area at Appleton Thorn and a possible impact on Appleton Thorn Primary School
Coun John Price said the site would be like those used for “Red Letter Days” – where people can drive fast cars like Ferraris.
“I enjoy these days, but know how much noise the cars make,” he said.
A spokesman for the applicant said there were no plans for an “Appleton Grand Prix”.
There would be no facilities for spectators and the main activity would be training. The site would only be used in daytime. About 40 part and full time jobs would be created.
PLANS to create a car driving circuit on the site of a former airfield
have been likened to "waking a sleeping dragon" by a nearby resident.
Abandoned airfield a sleeping dragon
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
