NEWS that Thurrock Harriers will not be able to use the track at their Blackshots base until the spring has come as a disappointment to local runners. But the club is looking an an innovative way of helping athletes.

It was hoped that the track, which is being relaid, would be up and running before Christmas - but now the new start time looks like being in the spring. However, as a fillip to athletes who now find themselves with nowhere in the borough to train, Harriers club stalwart David Staines has said that the club will offer free track usage to athletes for next year because of the delays.

And he is quick to point out that despite the delay, the track itself will be well worth waiting for.

"It's going to be one of the best in the south east. Already there are working floodlights. But within 12 or 16 weeks the track should be finished. At present more than 30 senior distance runners are working up their long distance speed from Blackshots," he said.

David Staines said: "It is a bit disappointing, but we are going to end up with a fantastic venue which will start to revolutionise athletics in the borough."

The adventurous stadium plan doubles the number of throwing facilities at Blackshots, increases the facilities for long, triple, high jump and pole vault.

Harriers success in recent years - most notably Danny Crates' Paralympic hurdles gold - together with county, long distance and junior success, stands to improve considerably once track is completed in the spring.