THE legacy of speedway in Bradford is to live on as four streets on a new housing development have been named in honour of the sport.

Peterson Court, Forrest Close, Dukes Avenue and Northern View now take pride of place in the Persimmon Homes development off Rooley Avenue.

The new estate is just a stone’s throw away from Odsal Stadium, where speedway enthralled fans until it disappeared in 1997.

Enthusiast John Murphy, 59, was delighted back in 2013 when Bradford Council agreed to his street-naming idea

The streets are named after Gary Peterson, Arthur Forrest, Bradford Dukes and Bradford Northern.

Mr Murphy, who praised ward councillors, Jayne Storr at the Council and Persimmon Homes, for helping to make his dream a reality, said: “I hope something like this inspires others that they can help keep the history of this city alive, in remembering those who contributed in whatever way to their quality of life.

“It is particularly pleasing that Gary Peterson is remembered in this special way – a native of New Plymouth, New Zealand - whose sporting presence in Bradford was fleeting but who sparked a life long interest in speedway for many local fans thereafter.

“It also is a timely reminder of the cosmopolitan vibe of this exciting sport, when Bradford had the privilege of hosting the 1985 and 1990 World Speedway Finals.”

Arthur Forrest was born in Bradford and was a leading light between 1952 and 1957 for the Bradford Tudors side.

Known as The Black Prince, he was the only Bradford rider to appear in five World Speedway Finals.

New Zealander Gary Peterson signed for Bradford Northern when speedway returned to Odsal in 1970.

Tragically, he was killed in a crash at Monmore Green, Wolverhampton, on October 17, 1975

Speaking about his love for speedway, Mr Murphy said: “I used to go up on my bike with a few friends. We used to ride around and thought we were riding speedway. I always used to love the bikes, the chrome wheels, the noise and the smell. It was fantastic and I suppose there was an element of danger. You could get close to the action and it was a great night out.”