Lincoln residents 'barred' from horse racing launch

People opposed to plans to reintroduce horse racing to Lincoln's West Common have been refused entry to a press conference launching the scheme.

About 15 people were refused entry to the meeting on Friday morning at Lincoln's historic Grandstand building.

The Lincoln Racecourse Regeneration Company has said the reintroduction of racing would be a boost to the city.

But John Shipton, one of the people refused admission, said the proposal would be disruptive to residents.

He said people living on Long Leys Road were worried spectators would use it for parking during race meetings.

Karen Rastall, one of the directors of the Lincoln Racecourse Regeneration Company, told the meeting: "Racing existed on the Common and it is a regeneration project that we are involved in that we're looking to achieve."

She said it was feasible racing could be reintroduced to Lincoln within five years.

In a statement, John Bibby, director of housing and community services at the City of Lincoln, said: "The City of Lincoln Council's position about this proposal has been made clear since these ideas were first muted.

"Like any organisation, Lincoln Racecourse Regeneration Company (LRRC) Ltd is entitled to put forward a proposal for the council's consideration, however I must stress that the proposal has not been commissioned by the city council.

"We have made it clear to the company concerned that we are not in a position to commit any financial resources to the development of these proposals.

"The next step for us is to study the proposals and to present our findings to the appropriate committees in due course; this will include the Commons Advisory Panel and the council's Executive.

"Following those meetings a formal response will be made to LRRC Ltd."