Scott Collins urges Northampton Borough Council to support the Silverstone Grand Prix's retention

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 24th Oct 2008

Silverstone must remain the home of the British Grand Prix

A Liberal Democrat motion to Northampton Borough Council's meeting on 27 October was unanimously passed in support for South Northamptonshire Council in their efforts the retain the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

The motion reads:-

This Council supports South Northamptonshire District Council in their determination to retain the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone. We recognise that the county as a whole derives great benefit from the motor sport industries that have been drawn to the area by the presence of the Silverstone circuit, as well as the ancillary businesses, which have grown up to support these high-tech enterprises..

The mover of the motion, Cllr Scott Collins, who is also the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for the South Northamptonshire Constituency that includes much of the Silverstone complex said, "The British Grand Prix is one of the key 'legacy' Grand Prix in the racing calendar each year. It is an integral part of the history and heritage of Grand Prix racing. Its home has been at Silverstone since 2nd October 1948 and the first World Championship Grand Prix in 1950. The plan to move it to Donnington Park is unlikely to succeed for a range of technical reasons and has been seen by many as a stalking horse to move the event out of Britain".

"The British Grand Prix brings some £40m each year into the economy of the surrounding area. More importantly, many of the teams are based in and around Silverstone and it is important that we recognise the importance to the British economy of the high technology and expertise associated with Grand Prix racing. Add to this the impact on employment opportunities in both the high tech industries and the myriad of support industries, from those directly associated with the motor racing industry right through to the hotels and small businesses which build there entire financial year around the weeks surrounding the Grand Prix."

Commenting further Scott Collins said "It is therefore only sensible and responsible for as many Councils as possible offer support for the retention of the Grand Prix in Silverstone. As the effects off the loss will reverberate far beyond Silverstone or South Northants and will effect people across the entire County and region it is therefore great to see Northampton Borough Council showing their support for the retention of the Grand Prix in Silverstone"..

Scott also stated that "The proposed changes to the circuit over the coming years will be a massive project which will make sure that Silverstone remains the drivers favourite circuit and a true riband event in the British sporting calendar alongside Wimbledon, The FA Cup, The six Nations and the Ashes"

During the debate Scott pointed out that the economic effects of the Grand Prix being held in the County spreads far beyond the area surrounding Silverstone "When you consider the supply and support industries, from engine builders to those working on innovative technical equipment and systems the motor racing industry require, it is easy to see that premier event in the motor racing must remain at the countries premier circuit".

The Motion was supported unanimously by all parties in the council who recognised that to join South Northants and others in the fight to keep the Grand Prix at Silverstone was an obvious move to make".