Selby MP backs motocross bid

6:59am Wednesday 9th May 2007

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A PLAN to allow a motocross club to use a disused quarry has won the backing of Selby's MP.

Members of Brotherton and Byram Motocross Club want to be allowed to permanently use land at Jawbone Quarry, in Saddlers, near Brotherton, as a motorcycle track.

In a letter to Selby District Council local MP John Grogan gave his support.

He said: "I have met with club members and visited the track myself. I do think the club is making a concerted effort to mitigate the previously-aired concerns over dust and noise which culminated in the original application being withdrawn.

"Brotherton and Byram Motocross Club has also been an effective tool in combating antisocial behaviour in the vicinity and is a facility which local youngsters have a real sense of pride in.

"It would be a great shame if such a valued facility is not allowed to continue."

Lisa Mansell, the club's treasurer, said issues of dust were being dealt with by use of a water bowser which is used to soak the track before and during each session.

Miss Mansell also said the club was refusing to take on any new members who had four-stroke motorbikes because of the noise they produced and were encouraging existing members with four-stroke bikes to change them or purchase silencers.

She added the club was also getting quotes for trees to be planted to help act as a noise and dust barrier.

But the proposals have received numerous objections from people living near the track.

One said it was impossible for them to keep their cars and windows clean because of the dust and they were unable to hang out washing to dry. One couple in their eighties said the noise from the motorcycles was physically debilitating and asked if it were not possible to site the track away from residential properties.

Selby District Council's planning committee will decide the issue on a date still to be confirmed.