Assets of Community Value Bill
We are asking Hammers fans to contact our local Thurrock MP to push for her support for a forthcoming Assets of Community Value Bill, which is scheduled for a second reading in the House of Commons next Friday (11th July). If you are one of her constituents, Jen would be delighted to hear from you, if you live outside of Thurrock however, please do contact your own local MP.
Simply copy and paste the email below, and send it to:
Assets of Community Value Bill
Dear Ms Craft
I have seen a copy of the Thurrock Hammers’ e-mail sent to you on the 4th July 2025.
I am writing to let you know that I agree with all the points in it.
Will you please support the Assets of Community Value Bill and do whatever you can to assist its passage into law for the benefit, not just of Speedway, but all sporting facilities which may be at risk of development.
Yours sincerely
(Your name)
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A copy of the e-mail sent by Thurrock Hammers:
Dear Ms Craft,
I am writing on behalf of the thousands supporting the Campaign to preserve Speedway in Thurrock to enlist your support for the Assets of Community Value Bill.
Speedway tracks do not enjoy the protection of other sporting facilities such as football pitches. Over many years, Speedway tracks have been targets for speculative property development with the result that many tracks have been lost, leaving only 16 operational in the United Kingdom.
We have seen national and local policies ignored, and in some cases challenged, by property developers.
In short, Speedway tracks need greater protection.
We are aware of a Private Members Bill – The Assets of Community Value Bill – introduced by Labour MP Emma Foody—which had its first reading in May and is scheduled for a second reading on (next) Friday, 11 July 2025.
The bill is supported by 11 MPs and seeks to introduce automatic designation of sports facilities as Assets of Community Value, helping communities safeguard essential facilities from inappropriate development or loss.
Emma Foody rightly stated:
“The contribution of local sports clubs and teams goes beyond their role in producing international sports stars. In countless ways, sports facilities are making our communities better, day in and day out… The disappearance of local sporting facilities can be devastating, often leaving scars in places that do not heal… There is a better way. Community ownership gives people the opportunity to save local assets that we value most by bringing them into community hands and running them in the interests of local people.”
In our view this is an additional protection badly needed by Speedway nationally.
The prospect of a form of automatic protection is particularly welcome and should establish a readily available protection against speculative development.
We believe that Speedway tracks including Arena Essex could significantly benefit from the passing of this bill for the following reasons:
– Historic Significance: The stadium is nearly 50 years old and holds deep cultural and sporting value, having hosted generations of fans, families, and riders.
– Global Significance: Activities staged at the Arena Essex have been broadcast around the globe (Speedway, Top Gear, other entertainment programming) to audiences of millions
– Sporting Significance: Arena Essex hosted Speedway, the highest quality and most popular spectator sports in Thurrock
– Loss of Opportunity for Youth and Inclusion: The speedway track was a regional & national training facility open to all ages and genders. Its closure severely limits opportunities for local youth engagement and access to motorsport.
– Widespread Support:
- The retention of the stadium for speedway has the full backing of the sport’s National Governing Body (BSPL).
- By a Resolution of 23 January 2023, Thurrock Council confirmed its support for the retention of Speedway in Thurrock in the interest of preserving local heritage and community value by its inclusion in the Local Plan.
- There is substantial Campaign support and public and media interest in restoring the stadium and preserving its sporting legacy.
Precedent for Success:
- Other councils, such as Oxford City Council, have taken steps to oppose development resulting in the protection and restoration of a speedway track which is now thriving and successful.
We respectfully request your support for this Bill, and if possible, lobby Parliamentary colleagues and speak on our behalf in Parliament. Your voice could make a real difference in helping to ensure that the Arena Essex Stadium is not lost forever, but helps protect it and other Speedway tracks to ensure that they are retained for the benefit of their communities.
Thank you for your continued work on behalf of our constituency.
We would be pleased to provide any additional information or meet to discuss this further.
Yours sincerely,
Mark Sexton
Director Thurrock Hammers Ltd