July 1, 1977

TOWN planners have flatly turned down an offer by Redditch United boss Mr Bill Lawrenson to take them out on an all-expenses trip to see a greyhound track in Willenhall - in case of idle gossip.

Planning committee members were told the club intended applying for permission to build a greyhound track at the Valley Stadium and the trip was designed to acquaint councillors with the proposed development before the application is made.

But the invitation was declined on the grounds that it might be seen as prejudicing councillors' judgement in accepting the club's hospitality.

"With the present sort of things that have been going on in local government I think that anything which could look suspicious or be misunderstood ought to be avoided," said Councillor Walter Stranz.

"If we decide we want to look at a track, we should do it by ourselves rather than at the invitation of the proposed beneficiary."