POOLE Pirates' return to action at Wimborne Road could be delayed, with the club locked in discussions over how to safely allow fans back into the venue.

Pirates are due to begin the 2021 campaign with a cup meeting at Plymouth Gladiators on May 25.

They are then the following day set to host Plymouth at Wimborne Road.

However, Pirates say that second meeting could now be in doubt, with little over two weeks to go until the action is set to begin for the year.

A statement from Pirates read: "Poole's planned first home meeting back in the second tier of British speedway may be delayed by just one week, as talks between the Pirates' management, their landlords and the local authorities continue."

After the cup meeting with Plymouth, Pirates are currently set to get their Championship campaign underway with three consecutive away clashes, before hosting Berwick Bandits on June 9.

Pirates have not turned a wheel at Wimborne Road since the SGB Premiership play-off defeat to Ipswich Witches in September 2019. The 2020 season was wiped out due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Poole's promoter Danny Ford told the club's website: "We are working tirelessly with the relevant parties to ensure that there can be full and compliant adherence to the various restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We have been inundated with requests for further details on the start of our 2021 season and fully appreciate how frustrating it is for Poole supporters having to wait, we just ask that you bear with us a little longer while we get the final details sorted.

"We have further talks scheduled for later this week when it is anticipated that we will be in a position to give our supporters confirmation as to whether we have to move our opening home meeting or not.

"We also want to advise fans that we will be providing an update on season Tickets and admission prices as soon as we can."