URGENT talks are being sought over the future of Essex’s Great Leighs racecourse, amid warnings racing may not resume until 2011 at the earliest.

It was announced in May Deloitte had agreed a deal with a potential buyer for the course, but the track’s former owner says talks have now stalled.

Chelmsford Council is seeking urgent clarification over the state of play at the track, which has faced many setbacks since its first public race meeting in May last year.

The group of companies which owned it went into administration in January this year, and since then attempts to find a buyer have failed.

Shannon Abbott, a spokeswoman for Chelmsford Council, said the council was “very concerned” the track’s future remained unsolved.

She said as well as sending a letter to Deloitte seeking urgent clarification over the situation, the council had re-stated its offer to discuss with the administrators ways it could help.

She said: “The council would certainly welcome a positive response from Deloitte in order that Great Leighs Racecourse can once again be an asset to the high quality of life and economic vibrancy which exists in the Chelmsford area.”

She added: “The council is keen to see horse racing at Great Leighs as soon as possible. In addition to the economic and cultural benefits, in planning terms, the site is highly suitable for equestrian uses and the authority would not see the site as being suitable for other uses.”

Jamie Harley, a spokesman for Deloitte, said the administrators were still reviewing the options and were holding discussions with the stakeholders.

Former Great Leighs Racecourse owner John Holmes said the deal stalling was a “real shame”.

He said: “Unfortunately, until there is a mindset to sit around the table in a constructive fashion and work together, I find it difficult to imagine anything will be resolved.”

Paul Struthers, a spokesman for the British Horseracing Authority, said the track had no fixtures for this year or next year.

“They just don’t have any fixtures so it’s hard to see any way they could race before 2011.”