A SENIOR councillor has opened the door on the possibility of a permanent speedway exhibition for Bradford.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe said the sport, which welcomed world champions and riders from around the globe to the city between 1945 and 1997, had an important part to play in Bradford's history.

Now, thanks in part to a persistent speedway fan, Cllr Hinchcliffe, who is Bradford Council's portfolio holder for employment, skills and culture, admitted a long-term reminder of the sport could find a home in the city.

John Murphy, an ardent supporter of the sport for many years, came up with the idea. He is hosting a speedway exhibition from May to November this year at the Bradford Industrial Museum.

While putting the exhibition together, Mr Murphy realised speedway, which attracted thousands of fans over the years, deserved to be recognised permanently in Bradford.

"Riders from all over the world came to ride in Bradford," said Mr Murphy. "Bradford saved the World Speedway Final in England when Wembley decided no more Speedway.

"No other professional sport in this city provided the platform for a competitor to arrive as a competitor, and leave, the same day, as world champion."

He added: "And most important of all Albert Rosenfeld and Joe Abbott. Two riders who paid the ultimate price at Odsal, losing their lives in a speedway race. Where are they remembered and respected at Odsal?

"Many memories and momentoes survive - mostly stored away in a loft or garage, or collected personally and guarded secretly. A public place for the heart of speedway to continue beating, albeit off the track, is long overdue.

"The heart of Bradford speedway still beats on the track, with a 44-year-old American who is the 2014 World Champion and the winner of Odsal's last race, Greg Hancock."

Mr Murphy's exhibition, which was boosted by people who read an appeal in the Telegraph & Argus for speedway memorabilia, will include nods to world champions and Odsal track-record holders.

"We have compiled a roll of honour of every track-record holder at Odsal," said Mr Murphy. "And looking beyond the names themselves, just consider the countries of their birth - England, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Australia, New Zealand, the USA."

Cllr Hinchcliffe said: "Speedway plays an important role in Bradford's sporting history and, rightly, has strong advocates in the city.

" As a result we are pleased to be hosting an exhibition of memorabilia at Bradford Industrial Museum between May and November this year.

"After November we will review the exhibition with Bradford speedway enthusiasts we have been working with and see whether anything longer-term can be put in place."