Poolstock Stadium
Map
LocationPark Street, Poolstock, Wigan, Greater Manchester
Coordinates53°32′15″N 2°38′27″W / 53.53750°N 2.64083°W / 53.53750; -2.64083
Opened1932
Closed1973

Poolstock Stadium was a greyhound racing and speedway stadium on Park Street in Poolstock, Wigan, Greater Manchester

Origins

The stadium was constructed in 1932 on a plot of land on Cromwell's Ditch, west of Park Street and Baker Street and east of Poolstock Brook.[1]

Opening

The stadium situated on a ten-acre site opened on 9 March 1932.[2]

Greyhound racing

The racing was independent (not affiliated to the sports governing body the National Greyhound Racing Club). Five dog races were held on Saturday nights at 7.30pm on a track that had grass straights and sanded bends. Race distances were 314, 525 and 750 yards behind an 'Inside Sumner' hare system.[3]

Speedway

Speedway took place from 1947 to 1960. Laurel and Hardy made a personal appearance at a meeting in 1947.[4]

Main article: Wigan (speedway)

Closure

Planning permission for 130 homes to be built was given to John Maunders Construction Ltd in early 1973. Racing finally stopped on 28 February 1973 and the track was demolished. The site today is an extension of the housing on Baker Street.[2]

References

  1. ^ "OS Plan 1963-1967". old-maps.co.uk.
  2. ^ a b Barnes, Julia (1988). Daily Mirror Greyhound Fact File. Ringpress Books. ISBN 0-948955-15-5.
  3. ^ Furby, R (1968). Independent Greyhound Racing. New Dominion House. p. 45.
  4. ^ "Wigan Speedway". Defunct Speedway Tracks.
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