A once-popular dog racing track has announced it could close after almost four decades.

The owners of Crayford Greyhound Stadium have revealed they are pulling out of the site stating it is no longer financially viable to run the venue as support and attendance continue to fall.

Simon Clare, who is the communications director for gambling firm Entain UK - the holding company of Ladbrokes which helped build and open the track in 1986, said the decision “has not been taken lightly”.

He added: “We are saddened to announce the intended closure of the Crayford greyhound track.

“We have been exploring various avenues to avoid this decision for some time, but ultimately, it is no longer viable for us to continue operating the site.

“The dwindling support for the venue has led to insufficient trainer interest to fulfil our schedules, fewer competitive race days, and, therefore, lower attendance which has sadly driven our decision to close.

“Impacted colleagues have been informed of our intention to close the track and we will shortly commence individual consultations with colleagues to discuss the support and options available to them.

“We will also continue to support all trainers impacted by the disruption and hope that many of them will continue to race their dogs at other UK greyhound tracks.

“We remain committed to the highest levels of animal welfare. As such, every affected greyhound will be cared for through an enhanced investment and rehoming strategy.

“We are looking to expand our infrastructure to rehome dogs, develop new rehoming partnerships in the UK, US and Canada and support trainer and greyhound transition to other tracks in the UK.

“We will continue to fulfil the current fixture schedule at our remaining tracks at Romford, Hove and Monmore."

The track - in Stadium Way, Crayford, near the border with Dartford - has previously had to cancel race meetings due to an ongoing shortage of runners.

It is not yet known when the stadium will close, or if it will be sold and taken on by a new operator.

However, it will remain open throughout the Christmas period and run its normal schedule of racing.