Some Peterborough Panthers speedway shale saved to honour late fans

Peterborough Panthers have been left without a racetrack for the 2024 season

A small section of shale has been bottled up from a redundant speedway track in tribute to fans whose ashes have been scattered on it.

Last month, Peterborough Panthers said farewell to their racetrack after 53 years, with the East of England Showground site set to be redeveloped.

Over the years, about 30 fans have had their ashes thrown over the track.

A campaign group fighting to stop its closure said it saved some of the surface before it was dug up.

Fans witnessed the end of an 53-year era as the last speedway meeting was staged at the showground

The current Panthers owner has begun removing the speedway track and other items he owned, according to showground developers Asset Earning Power Group (AEPG).

Plans have been submitted to demolish much of the showground, which has also hosted major outdoor events over the decades, with houses and leisure facilities being built in its place.

Mick Bratley, from the Peterborough Panthers consortium campaign group, said the bottled surface would be re-scattered at a future racetrack - if the club manages to secure a new home in future.

"Numerous fans were in touch to share their concerns for loved ones whose ashes were scattered around the track," Mr Bratley said.

He added: "[The shale] might not have a lot of ashes in it, but it's a small gesture to pay tribute to all these fans."

The site is to be redeveloped and could include sports such as bowling and mini-golf

Previously, AEPG said it "understood the disappointment" of Panthers' fans that speedway could not continue at the showground.

The East of England Agricultural Society currently owns the site.

Meanwhile, a rally has been organised in support of Peterborough Panthers on Saturday.

Organisers said it would be an opportunity to "raise awareness" about the problems the team was facing.

Mayor Nick Sandford and the Labour parliamentary candidate for Peterborough, Andrew Pakes, will be speaking at the rally, which starts at 13:30 GMT. A crowd of more than 250 people are expected.

Peterborough Panthers' owner has been contacted for comment.