THE businessman behind a new racecourse planned for East Yorkshire has revealed he could build New York-style "twin towers" into his dream project.
But the scheme, intended as a memorial to those who died when the World Trade Centre towers collapsed, on September 11, last year, have run into criticism from people living near to where the ambitious development is to be built.
Reg Bond, who runs Pocklington firm Bond International, is behind a £30 million scheme to build the North's first all-weather racetrack on the nearby airfield, in Barmby Moor.
Although the plans are only in the very early stages, Mr Bond told the Evening Press he has already given his racecourse a name.
He says the track will be called the New York Racecourse, as a mark of respect to victims of the tragedy.
Mr Bond also said he could incorporate "twin towers" into any final design as a further remembrance.
Mr Bond said: "I have got the name. It will be the New York racecourse, after September 11, and because Pocklington is near York.
"Already, that has got to be the name. We could also possibly build twin towers. Now it is about getting support."
The plans have been branded "insensitive" by critics.
Coun George McManus said: "I would advise great caution on this. It is an extremely sensitive issue which has to be handled accordingly."
Pocklington's mayor, Coun Alex Petrie, said: "The area was originally called Hodsow Fields. It would be nice if the ancient name could be incorporated. Perhaps it would also be polite to let the people of New York decide whether they want the twin towers remembered as a racecourse."
Richard Hayler, of the British Horse Racing Board, which must approve any racecourse scheme, said the body had no power over the shape of the development.
Meanwhile, Mr Bond's plans will face their first real test this weekend when flat racing gets under way at Doncaster. He has confirmed he will use this weekend's prestigious Lincoln meeting as a chance to gather support for his development.
But he said he will not approach the board with any concrete plans for at least another year.
He added: "To build a racetrack you need support, starting with the owners, the jockeys, trainers and the general public.
"That will begin to get under way at the Lincoln meeting, in Doncaster, this week.
"I am still committed to the project but I won't be approaching the BHB for another year. There is still a lot to do."
Updated: 10:56 Friday, March 22, 2002
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