Despite strong backing from readers, the Swindon Advertiser’s Save Our Robins campaign – to save the local speedway team from being left homeless – has failed to secure a new track for next season.

The Advertiser launched the campaign after news broke that the Robins could be kicked out of the Abbey Stadium.

But pressure from the press has resulted in a stay of execution on the venue until the end of the 2007 season, and editor Mark Walfron said: “We’re convinced this is a campaign that’s there to be won.”

The owners of the stadium shut the door on the Robins, with Gaming International announcing plans to redevelop the arena with only a greyhound track, leaving the motorcycles with nowhere to race.

Gaming International chief executive Clarke Osborne said: “We are happy to work with the club, the council and fans to find a new local venue for the Robins but it needs to be clearly understood: speedway is no longer an economic proposition at Abbey Meads stadium.

“Attendances at speedway events nationwide have been falling in recent years and Swindon has been no exception with an average agate this season of just around 1,300. Declining attendances have meant falling revenues, just at a time when health and safety requirements are becoming onerous and more expensive.”