Worcestershire | Archive | 2002 | October | 31
From the archive, first published Thursday 31st Oct 2002.
A FORMER jockey from Bidford is under starters orders because he hopes to re-open the village betting shop before the end of the year.
Robert Adams, a former flat racing jockey from Chapel Close, has submitted plans to Stratford District Council for a change of use to re-open Star Racing in High Street, under his own name, R B A Adams.
The shop closed earlier this year after its previous owners did not apply for the planning permission, which is now being sought by Mr Adams.
Mr Adams, whose biggest career victory in seven years racing was on Vickstown in the 1990 Midland Derby, said the shop was quite popular before it closed and is hopeful planners will let him re-open it for December.
He said: "It has always been my intention to go into this business. It's my first venture and I'm really looking forward to it.
"Since the shop closed people have had to go to Stratford, Alcester, or Evesham, to place their bets. I would like to bring the social side of betting back to the village. If I could open for the first week in December, I would be delighted," he added.
Stratford District Council's planning department said the plans were under consultation and a decision should be made in November.
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