by Hayley Robinson

Live footage of greyhound races at Sittingbourne race track has been temporarily suspended from being broadcast in betting shops across the country.

The Bookmakers’ Afternoon Greyhound Service (BAGS), which provides the service, confirmed on Tuesday that coverage of Sittingbourne has been stopped until the end of October at least, but would not reveal why.

The contract is believed to be worth about £8,000 to the Central Park Stadium, which is based on the Eurolink Estate.

A BAGS' spokesman said: “We are in discussions with Sittingbourne about the situation.”

The track’s BAGS’ meeting that was due to be held tonight (Thursday) was expected to be filled by Belle Vue with Poole and Sunderland taking the remaining Saturday slot.

It is not clear if this is an ongoing arrangement. A spokesman for William Hill bookmakers, which has shops in Sittingbourne and Sheerness, said the decision to suspend the service should not affect its shops.

Attempts to get a comment from the Central Park Stadium were unsuccessful.