Crayford greyhound track to close after Christmas

Owners said they had a rehoming strategy in place for affected dogs

Owners of the Crayford greyhound track in Dartford have announced it will close after Christmas.

The stadium opened in 1986, but owners Ladbroke said "dwindling support" had rendered it not financially viable.

The announcement, made on the stadium's website, said that the current fixture schedule would be fulfilled at tracks in Romford, Hove and Monmore.

Ladbroke said the decision to close the venue had "not been taken lightly".

The Crayford greyhound venue opened in 1986

Customers were told the owners of the track had been exploring "various avenues" to avoid the closure.

Ladbroke said: "Dwindling support for the venue has led to insufficient trainer interest to fulfil our schedules, fewer competitive race days, and, therefore, lower attendance which has sadly driven our decision to close."

The company said staff would be "supported" through the closure and every affected greyhound will be cared for "through an enhanced investment and rehoming strategy".