OKEHAMPTON mayor Christine Marsh is backing a campaign by local youngsters to get a BMX/mountain bike track in the town.
It follows concern from conservationists about the damage that has been caused to ancient woodland at the Old Town Park from young people creating their own track.
Although the young people have been admired for their initiative, they have been warned to stay away from the park.
James Harrison, of SJ Sports, has begun a petition to get support for a track which could also be used for skating.
He said the problem of youngsters using the woodland had probably occurred because of a lack of facilities in the town.
'I have been fighting to get a proper area for two or three years now,' he said.
Okehampton's mayor met some of the town's young people last week and has agreed to support them.
An area of wasteland opposite Bostock Garden Centre at the North Road Industrial Estate, which is believed to be owned by West Devon Borough Council, has been identified as a 'perfect site.'
Cllr Marsh said she was investigating this area and the boys would be making a presentation to the town council at its next meeting on October 23.
'I would really like to see it happen,' she said. 'If it gets youngsters off the street and interested in that type of activity that is great.
'Land is at a premium at the moment so finding a piece that has not been earmarked for development maybe difficult.'
The mayor is making an appeal to anyone who has an area of land that could be used for this purpose to get in touch with the town council.
'I have offered to help them as much as I can — I am very impressed by their enthusiasm,' she added. 'But unfortunately the town council has no land.
'The young people have assured me that although the ground used for a BMX track gets churned up, after they have finished with it they can reinstate it.'