Greyhound racing at Swindon's Abbey Stadium will stop for good at the end of the year.

Stadium owner Gaming International has confirmed the closure, casting doubt over the venue's future. The last meet will be on Tuesday, December 30.

Speedway events have not been held at the stadium since before the 2020 lockdown.

Gaming International's chairman Clarke Osborne said: "It is with profound sadness that we make this announcement today, sadness for our loyal family of colleagues and for our greyhound trainers, some of whom have been with us for over 30 years.

"We understand that while some will welcome this announcement, there are others for whom this decision creates uncertainty for their futures. Let me be clear – we are committed to a sustainable and phased closure of the site which provides continued financial support for our trainers, and colleagues, through to the end of operations next year. We will work together in the months to come, providing support during this difficult period of change.

"I am sure there will be much debate on the history and future of greyhound racing in the UK during the months to come and I will certainly participate."

The ending of racing at Abbey Stadium will mark the end of 73 years of greyhound racing promotion for Gaming International.

"All things end and no one is able to hold back the changes in technology and trends in leisure pursuits," added Mr Osborne. "We must all look forward and embrace the future with hope and enthusiasm.

"I hope and have the enthusiasm to maintain our presence in the Swindon leisure market in the years to come."

Gaming International acknowledged that public attendance at Abbey Stadium, which is still under reconstruction, has dwindled. The viability of racing at the venue is now unsustainable without sufficient income from media rights to meet the escalating costs required to stage races, it said.

Rising expenses are another challenge, the business added.

Advocacy group Stop Swindon Greyhound Racing will welcome the news, and possibly Swindon North MP Will Stone – an opponent who wishes to see the sport banned in the UK.

But the decision could also create concern around another loss of a town community facility.

However, efforts to offer alternative leisure opportunities continue with Gaming International spearheading the Swindon Motorsport-led consortium to establish a new stadium at Studley Grange, located on the outskirts of the borough.