DOG fans fear racing has finally come to an end at Westhoughton Greyhound Stadium after more than 50 years.

Track owner Arthur Brightcliffe has already put the stadium up for sale and now he has closed it for the next four weeks while he goes on holiday. Dog owners and punters are worried a deal to buy the land could go through shortly after he returns.

One owner said: "We're all very worried that this is finally the end. Some owners may have to put their dogs down if it does close. But we're fighting to keep it open."

A greyhound called Amy won the final race on Friday night at 3-1.

If the track does not reopen, she will go down in the record books as the last ever winner.

The Westhoughton Greyhound Owners and Trainers Association has been set up by racing fans to fight closure plans.

The nearest other independent track is at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire. Only owners with special licences can race their dogs at Manchester's Belle Vue stadium.

A businessman and a property developer are believed to be in a head-to-head race to buy the Westhoughton stadium.

It is thought the developer, who has first option on the site, is thinking of either turning it into a garden centre or leasing it to dog owners and fans.

An agent for the businessman said he has launched a separate bid to buy the track. He wants to keep it open and develop the facilities. The stadium, which hosts three race meetings a week in front of up to 150 spectators, has been on the market for about £300,000.

Westhoughton councillors recently turned down a plan to "separate" a house on the site from the stadium. They asked Mr Brightcliffe to give them more information within 14 days.

A decision is expected on the plan this month. The dog owners fear it could open the way for an application to change the stadium's use.