A RETIRED Gwent speedway rider who was unsuccessful in his bid to take over Newport’s Hayley Stadium spoke of his disappointment following its demolition.

Phil Morris, of Wyllie, said fans will now have to travel to Somerset or Birmingham to watch the sport after his planned deal with the site’s former promoter Steve Mallet fell through in February.

He said: "It was a shame that something could not have been done with the Mallets and we could not have come to an agreement.

"It was their business to sell and that’s their call."

Mr Morris, who retired two years ago due to a shoulder injury and now manages Birmingham Speedway team and the senior British Team, said it was unlikely the sport would ever return to Newport because it would be difficult and costly to set up a new facility from scratch.

He said: "It would have nice to be involved closer to home, being Welsh and the only pro rider in the last 20 years I’ve got an affinity with the sport.

"I wouldn’t have done something that I didn’t believe would work. I am not stupid enough to throw money at things but I would have given it a good go with the best intentions at heart. But obviously it wasn’t meant to be."

The derelict Queensway Meadows site was pulled down last Tuesday much to the dismay of fans. It had fell victim to arson and vandalism attacks after it closed following a failed takeover bid earlier this year.

Chepstow-based MCL Logistics took ownership in May and plan to use it as a haulage depot.

A man arrested in connection with the arson attack is expected to answer bail next month.