Croft future at risk after noise claim
Added on Tuesday, January 20th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments
Croft is the only BSB race circuit between Knockhill in Scotland and Donington Park.
The future of Croft circuit in Darlington is under threat following a High Court ruling that awarded three local residents more than £150,000 in compensation for noise issues.
Mr Derek and Mrs Julia Watson along with their daughter Mrs Jill Wilson, who live in the neighbouring village of Vince Moor East, Dalton- on-Tees successfully, argued that the noise from screeching tyres and revving engines had ruined their quality of life. Mr and Mrs Watson were awarded £109,600 in compensation whilst Mrs Wilson received £40,000.
Croft owners, the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC), and event promoters Croft-Promo-Sport, who organise British Superbikes and British Touring Car events at the circuit, are appealing the decision but defeat could leave them with a hefty legal bill, as much as £1m including their own legal fees, as well as opening a dangerous precedent.
Croft, like all motorsport venues in the UK, must abide by strict noise regulations as well as restrictions on the number of race days that it may play host to, although this restriction does not cover testing days and track experiences which provide a major income stream for the circuit which is believed to generate around £3m for the local economy each year. Defeat in the appeal would leave Croft, and other circuits around the country, open to a flood of legal claims from neighbouring residents.
“We do feel like we have the sword of Damocles hanging over us,” Dennis Carter, director of Croft-Promo- Sport, told the Northern Echo.
“Our future really depends on what the court decides.
“I do not want to sound too alarmist because I would like to think we can still find a way through this.
“The people at Croft do a fantastic job for us and I would really like it to continue.
“We will do everything we can to keep it going.
“It was a huge blow when the court decided we should pay damages. It is possible that there could be cuts if we have to pay this money out.
“Once we get the decision we will have to sit down and think very carefully about what to do next.”
This week, David Hart, representing the Watsons and Mrs Wilson in the Court of Appeal, said the criticism of the original ruling was wholly unjustified.
In his ruling last year, Mr Justice Simon said they had been “deeply affected by the noise from the circuit for a number of years”.
The judge awarded them damages based on the “blight” on the value of their homes caused by the noise, and for their “loss of amenity”
Councillor Jane Parlour, of Richmondshire District Council also supported the Watson’s case, and challenged race organisers’ claim that the events earn the local economy as much as £3m.
“Much of the money that comes into the area goes into the circuit itself - it is not widely spread,” she said.
“I don’t think we have seen that much of a boost to the local economy.
“Nobody wants Croft Circuit to close, but people do want to work within tolerable limits of noise levels and traffic.
“How would you feel if you had racing cars revving their engines 300 yards from your house at 6.45am?”
A Facebook campaign has been launched in support of the circuit and can be found here.
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