BMX enthusiasts based at the Youth Café in Tavistock are desperate for a piece of land where they can practice their skills — and now thanks to a vacant area in the town, their dream may become reality.

Youngsters, who formed a group called Tavi Riders last year, recently asked Tavistock Town Council to consider the provision of a BMX track at a piece of land currently not used — apart from dog walking — above the play park at Bannawell Street.

Members of the council's properties committee were last week asked to give consideration to such use of the land, and to meet with the Tavi Riders to discuss the idea.

Members said they were in favour of the facility although some had concerns.

Cllr David Best said he had reservations over the land being used a BMX track due to the amount of residents who live near to the proposed site.

He said: 'I don't have a strong feeling against the idea I just think that the residents need to have their say.'

Cllr Ted Sherrell said to use the vacant land as a BMX track was a 'first class idea' and proposed that, in principle, members agreed as it would create a use for the land.

Tavistock town mayor Cllr Mandy Govier said: 'I agree with Cllr Sherrell that in principle we need to go ahead with this. We should let the youngsters talk to the neighbours and see what they have to say on the issue.'

The committee agreed Cllr Sherrell's proposal, which was due to be ratified by full council at its meeting on Tuesday night.

Councillors attended an open day at The Wharf last Thursday, where the BMX group met with local residents and members of the committee to explain what the proposal entails and discuss options.

The day was held from 11am to 3pm and saw all 40 members of Tavi Riders attend and demonstrate their BMX skills and tricks to onlookers (pictured left).

Within The Wharf there were pictures of what a BMX trail looks like, along with a few boards where local residents could pen their views.

The board in favour of the trail was full of comments from other BMX enthusiasts, including a comment from TV broadcaster Steve Wilson from Tavistock, who has also been campaigning for a piece of land for fellow BMX group the West Devon Warriors.

Steve, who also has his own BMX mail order company, said: 'Bike riding in Tavistock has been overlooked for too long — it's not going away and deserves a facility.'

Naomi Salmon, an area youth worker, said: 'The more people we can get involved the better as we are going to have to find between £25,000 to £45,000 to get designs for the site and establish the area.'

Vicky Lloyd, manager of the youth café, said: 'This group of young people are passionate and committed to having trails in Tavistock.

'They have put in a lot of time and effort since September 2008 and now having the council backing us is fantastic.'

During the open day, although a vast amount of people were in favour, most of the residents who live near to the proposed site were against the idea. One person had concerns over the noise level and supervision, and the fact that, at present, dog walkers use the field.

Anyone who would like to contact Tavi Riders to voice their concerns or show their support can call the café on 01822 612851 or can email Naomi at [email protected]">[email protected] or Vicky at [email protected]">[email protected]