CAMPAIGNERS opposing the demolition of the ill-fated Newport Speedway stadium have voiced their disappointment after permission was granted by the council.

Fans were backing plans by retired speedway rider Phil Morris to resurrect the sport in the city after The Wasps closed following a failed takeover bid in February. He said the stadium had the potential to attract people from outside the area, helping the economy with people coming in and spending money.

But owners Sydney and London were granted permission to demolish stands and outbuildings on Friday - something which hasn't gone down well with supporters who want to see it brought back into use.

Speedway fan Mark Poulton emailed the Argus saying: "It makes no sense at all to demolish a perfectly useable community facility that brings such a good name to the city from all over the world."

Mr Poulton feels planners have ignored objections and wanted the decision, which was taken by planners not councillors, discussed at committee level so everyone could air their views.

His concerns were echoed by members of the Newport Speedway SOS Facebook group, which has more than 800 members.

Glyn Smith wrote on the site: "It would be a tragedy to lose Newport Speedway track, it would be ideal to use for training British riders."

A spokesman for the council said planning permission was not required for the demolition and as the deadline to challenge the application had passed the applicant had been granted consent in line with national legislation.

He added the council had sought a meeting with the site owner to discuss its future, but denied there were plans to consider the area as a potential Gipsy and traveller site - something fans had feared.

Owners Sydney and London Properties said the speedway community had been aware of the issues with Newport Speedway for some time.

A spokesman said the firm had discussed the matter with potential speedway operators, who had concluded it was not economically viable for Speedway to be resumed at the site.