Race begun to save historic running stadium

A crumbling running track once used by Sebastian Coe and Linford Christie could be saved for the local community.

The Queen Elizabeth II Stadium closed in May when it was declared unsafe by England Athletics, despite a pledge to invest billions in London sporting facilities before the 2012 Olympics.

The Grade II-listed site, opened in 1953, is managed by Enfield council. Officials say £1.2 million is set aside for refurbishment but they are also looking at a deal with Enfield Town FC. A decision is due on 8 October.

Athletes and residents have signed a petition calling for the track to be kept for community use. Ray Gibbins, of the Queen Elizabeth II Stadium Athletics Partnership, said: "We have nearly 3,000 signatures. It would be a disaster for the community to lose it."