Derby sports fans organise velodrome rally

Work on the new arena, near Pride Park stadium, was scheduled to begin in June

Supporters of plans for a multi sports arena in Derby, including a velodrome, are being asked to join a rally.

The £28m development had been approved by the city's Conservative/Lib Dem coalition but it lost control at the local elections.

The Conservatives decided to hand over final contract signing to the new Labour administration, who have ordered a review into the development.

The rally is taking place on Monday evening in Derby city centre.

'Much-needed' facility

Organised by the Derby Cycling Group, people in favour of the sports development are being asked to turn up with sporting equipment of their choice and have a game or a practice in Derby market place.

This will be followed by a bike ride around the city centre.

Dave Clasby, from Derby Cycling, previously said he was confident the project would proceed.

He said: "I just think this is a facility that will put Derby on the map.

"It will create jobs in the construction, it will create jobs when it is built, it will bring people into the city and it is something the city really needs."

The 5,000-seat centre, which would be able to host other sports, has planning permission for land next to Pride Park stadium.

It had been hoped it would open early in 2014, with bookings already being taken.

A decision from the development review is expected on 23 May.