{"id":618,"date":"2012-05-09T23:08:19","date_gmt":"2012-05-09T22:08:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/?p=618"},"modified":"2012-06-11T09:49:36","modified_gmt":"2012-06-11T08:49:36","slug":"save-derby-velodrome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/derbycyclinggroup.org.uk\/site\/2012\/05\/save-derby-velodrome\/","title":{"rendered":"Save Derby Velodrome"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"\"<\/a>Derby Cycling Group and Derby Mercury Cycle Club send a huge thank you to everyone of the thousands of people who have expressed support for the Derby Multi Sports Arena incorporating the velodrome and concert space.<\/p>\n

A lot of support has come from non-cyclists because this is not just a cycling project. We invite everyone who supports the DMSA for whatever reason, to join the campaign events outlined below:<\/p>\n

1. Sign the “Save Derby Velodrome” petition: http:\/\/www.gopetition.com\/petitions\/save-derby-velodrome.html<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n

2. Come to Derby market place at 5.30pm on Monday 21st May to show your support. At 6pm there will be a short ride around the city centre for those on bikes. People from other sports may wish to play their own game on the market place at the same time.<\/p>\n

Your letters so far have been a largely private correspondence with the council leaders and the above actions are two ways that you can demonstrate your support in a more public and quantifiable way.<\/p>\n

Your voices have been heard, but so far we have had no reaction. We understand your letters have aggravated some councillors, filling their e-mail in-boxes, and we have been accused of orchestrating the campaign. This is of course simply democracy in action and we are simply surprised and delighted that this project meant so much to so many people that they have CHOSEN to support it.<\/p>\n

If you are a Facebook user please click on the “like” button above in order to help spread the word. Thanks to all those who have already supported the campaign including past and present world champions.<\/p>\n

Background: <\/strong>The incoming Labour council administration has opposed the creation of the velodrome in the past and they will decide whether to sign the contracts or not. Originally it was thought that they would decide over the weekend of the 13th May but they have now put off the decision until 23rd May. It is important to keep the pressure on.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The out-going council administration (who support the velodrome) has decided not to sign the contracts but to leave it to the Labour group.<\/p>\n

Please write an e-mail to paul.bayliss@derby.gov.uk<\/a> ranjit.banwait@derby.gov.uk<\/a> and\u00a0martin.repton@derby.gov.uk<\/a> , the new leader, deputy leader and member for leisure services on the city council.<\/p>\n