BIKING fans will soon be able to race across mud tracks in Backwell.

Backwell Playing Fields Charity has applied to North Somerset Council for planning permission to build mud tracks, hollows and ramps around the beauty spot in West Town Road for youngsters to enjoy.

Children from Backwell have been appealing for a bike track in the village for years and the playing fields charity has set aside some spoil so enthusiasts can build their own track.

Michael Pratt, chairman of Backwell Playing Fields Committee, said: “For several years youngsters aged between 10 and 15 have been asking if they can do something there.

“When we did some earth works we had quite a lot of spoil so we made it available to the youngsters. They pitched in with forks and built up a track alongside the football pitch.

“Unfortunately our insurers said they would not insure any accidents if we hadn’t been given planning permission, so we’ve had to remove the work the children have done and apply for planning permission.

“When we get permission we will let the children build the track up again. It’s a good way of giving the children something to do themselves which they are passionate about.

“We did some consultation with the schools and there are some quite accomplished riders in Backwell who compete at county and national level so I think the new track will be very popular.

“It will be great for the kids and it will also get more children into the park who want to take part in activities there.”

The planning proposal is expected to be decided on later this month and it is hoped the children will be able to use the off-road track before the end of the summer.