Downsized Meadowbank 'not suitable' for top competitions

SPORTS groups have warned that downsizing Meadowbank Stadium may mean it is no longer suitable for serious competitions.

Senior athletics coach Bill Walker said that plans to move the stadium's famous running track are seriously flawed.

The city council plans to replace the ageing stadium with a smaller community sports centre, and sell part of the land for housing.

Mr Walker, who has coached several Olympic and Commonwealth medallists, said any track at Meadowbank had to be in its current position.

He said: "Moving it to another part of the site would be unwise because of the prevailing wind, which is normally westerly and funnelled between Calton Hill and Arthur's Seat.

"The track has to stay where it is or Edinburgh will end up with a facility that won't be suitable for serious competition."

Council officials have suggested moving the track to the area where the cycling velodrome currently stands. But Mr Walker said this was a "non-starter" because of its proximity to the East Coast railway line. He said replacing the track would cost much more than upgrading the existing one.