THE verdict on the proposed Fairlop Racecourse may not be known until after Christmas.

That's the fear of campaigners against the planned development on Fairlop Plains who are anxiously awaiting the public inquiry decision.

Although the inquiry was completed in June, the inspector's report was only received by the Government Office for London (GOL) at the end of September.

The GOL can take between 10 to 20 weeks between receiving the report, and reporting to the minister Lord Falconer, who can take any length of time to make his decision.

Among those anxiously awaiting the news is the Aldborough Hatch Defence Association, who have campaigned against the plans.

Its chairman Ron Jeffries said: "As soon as the decision on the London City Racecourse public inquiry is known, we will stage an open meeting."

The controversial Wiggins Group plans for the site include a floodlit, all-weather track, with capacity for 20,000 spectators at Fairlop Waters. Races would be held on 31 Thursday nights in a season from September to June.

But while people in the racing world appear to have given the scheme the thumbs-up, local groups fear the development will lead to traffic chaos, noise, and will create a "blot on the landscape".

Among those against the plans are the Redbridge Pensioners Action Association, Ilford North MP Linda Perham and the Barkingside 21 group.

Members of the Aldborough Hatch Defence Association already have their action plans in place whether they win or lose their campaign.

Mr Jeffries said: "If the decision goes in our favour, the debate about the future of the Green Belt of Fairlop Plain will continue and residents will wish to have their input into the debate.

"If the decision goes against us, Redbridge Council still has the last word over the lease.

So far only outline planning permission has been sought and there will be a need to monitor every planning application put in by the developers."

Aldborough Hatch Defence Association holds its annual meeting tomorrow at 8pm at St Peter's Church Halls, Aldborough Road North, Hainault.