Chepstow Racecourse Defend Event Move Following Criticism
The chief executive of Chepstow Racecourse has responded to claims that businesses have lost thousands of pounds in profits following the move of a popular charity event. The ‘Hoggin the Bridge’(HTB) event attracts hundreds of bikers from across the UK and was previously held in Chepstow town centre.
Although more than 1,600 bikers attended the event this year, traders have claimed the recent move to Chepstow Racecourse has impacted the local economy. Executive director of Chepstow Racecourse, Phil Bell, has stated “the Hoggin the Bridge situation is a bit of storm” and “a distraction from a bigger issue”.
The racecourse boss, who has been in the role for four years, describes the facility as a “huge economic benefit” and believes it could be embraced more as a “positive part of Chepstow”.
“We don’t want to be an isolated presence on the border of the town,” he said. “We want to work with the businesses and if we could all work together, I think more people will visit Chepstow.”
The event regularly attracts crowds and is known for its festival-like atmosphere and charity ethos. Following this year’s event, hundreds of people signed a petition to return it to Chepstow town. Racecourse officials will meet with Chepstow Town Council in January next year to discuss working together on events in the future.