THE proposal to site a new BMX track adjacent to a residential area in Tavistock has sparked fears among householders living within feet of the land.

The Tavi Riders' Club has been working for some time to find a suitable place on which to build a track.

Tavistock Town Council last week agreed that land it owns by the site of the old Bannawell Street swimming pool could be considered — but the proposal has met opposition from residents in nearby Buddle Close, who lobbied members at the council meeting.

Buddle Close resident Val Sharp said in some cases people's homes would be only 12ft away from the track — access to the Bannawell Street field was off a busy road, with no cycle link and through a conservation area.

She said: 'No-one has come here tonight to complain about young people, but have you considered other sites? It doesn't seem appropriate in a residential area.'

Another resident, Paul Harrison, said: 'I would like to ask whether there are any proposals to regulate such a track, bearing in mind it will be used day and night, legally or not, possibly by motorcycles as well?'

Mr Harrison was also concerned about children crossing the busy main road to get to the area.

Ian Daniels, of Buddle Close, asked who would be responsible for the upkeep of the track and how much it would cost to build.

Pippa St John Cooper, team leader for Devon County Council's youth services department, said this particular group of young bike riders had been working to find a site since September last year — but a need had existed in Tavistock for many years previously.

She said: 'They are taking this very seriously. Quite rightly, they are taking the concerns of residents very seriously too.'

Ms St John Cooper said motorcycles could easily be stopped from using the area by installing kissing gates.

She said there was no reason why youngsters using the area should be disrespectful of the fact they had to pass through the conservation area to get to the proposed track — and the field could still be used by dog walkers.

Vicky Lloyd, manager of Tavistock Youth Café, who has been working on the project with the young people, said: 'We are looking at every aspect. We want to make sure it's not just done and left.

'They are really looking at the long term — you can start off when you are five or six and it would be for all abilities. It's not safe for them to use the skate park.'

Vicky Lloyd said the group would not be asking the town council for any funding, as they were making their own applications for grants to take the project forward.

Police Sgt Dave Anning told the meeting that problems around the skate park had been caused by older people in their twenties.

'We are talking about a totally different group of youngsters. They are a very nice group and I am very pleased to be involved with them.

'Certainly, the police would be very keen to be involved in this from an early stage,' he said.

Town mayor Cllr Mandy Govier told residents that the BMX track project was 'at a very early stage'.

She said the riders' group had approached the council to ask if it had any land and this site was the only one it could offer.

The council had agreed 'in principle' the Bannawell Street site could be used for a BMX track, subject to consultation with residents.

'We are looking at the initial concept with the riders. I know they are working with residents and I know the young people don't want to upset the neighbours,' said Cllr Govier, who advised people living in the area to meet with Pippa St John Cooper and Vicky Lloyd.