COUNCIL chiefs across the area have expressed concern about the impact on the local economy following the decision to move the Grand Prix from Silverstone Circuit to Donington in 2010.
Cllr Mary Clarke, deputy leader of South Northants Council said: "We are very disappointed that the British Racing Drivers' Club was unable to come to an agreement with F1 Management and Allsport to secure the British Grand Prix after 2010.
"We ha
ve been working with Silverstone Circuits, the British Racing Drivers' Club and Aylesbury Vale District Council for more than a year to ensure that world-class facilities could be provided at Silverstone and we are very concerned at the effect this will have on local businesses that are reliant on motor sport.
"It is also disappointing when only last month planning permission was granted by Aylesbury Vale District Council for a new pit and paddock development."
- CHRIS Williams, Bucks County Council's Chief Executive, said: "We are extremely disappointed to hear that the Grand Prix is moving from its traditional home in Silverstone.
"Buckinghamshire County Council has worked tirelessly with its local government partners, Aylesbury Vale District Council and South Northants Council, to support the development of Silverstone in line with the requirements of the sport.
"This will be a big blow to the people who work at Silverstone and its supporting industries and will cause damage to the economy of the region. We would implore all those behind the Grand Prix to reconsider their decision."
- AYLESBURY Vale District Council chiefs have also expressed their fear for the future of the local economy following news that the Grand Prix is to move from Silverstone Circuit.
Carole Paternoster, cabinet member for AVDC, said: "We are extremely disappointed by the FIA's announcement today that the British Formula One Grand Prix is to move from Silverstone to Donington from 2010.
For the last few years both AVDC and South Northamptonshire Council have been working very closely with the British Racing Drivers Club (BRDC) to bring forward proposals for the future of the site that would allow them to retain the Grand Prix.
"Earlier in the year we supported a development brief which showed how the whole of the circuit site could be enhanced and developed over future years. We have also been working closely with the BRDC on a new pits and paddock building, which our Strategic Development Control Committee gave the go-ahead to in May.
"We also indicated that we would support a range of other development within Aylesbury Vale that would have provided the funding for that exciting and iconic scheme.
"We will need to reflect with the BRDC and South Northamptonshire Council on what this unwelcome news means for the future of the circuit, the local economy, and for the many jobs depending on it."
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