A MOTORBIKE track built to tackle illegal bikers causing a nuisance to residents has been praised by Flackwell Heath beat officer Peter Hearmon.

But fears are mounting that Wycombe District Council may turn down a retrospective planning application which may see the track close.

Residents' complaints about pollution and noise caused by unlicensed bikers using the fields behind Oakwood Estate prompted farmer Daniel Rooke, who rents the land, to meet with biking 'Racing Image' manager Neil Ashby after a spate of unsuccessful public meetings.

Together they built a professional track in the field at the junction of Abbey Barn Road and Heath End Road, where youths now ride their bikes without causing problems to neighbours.

Mr Rooke, 29, of Abbey Barn Lane, Flackwell Heath, offered the eight acre site rent free after youths continued to use his old patch of land illegally.

"It got to the stage where we had to do something so this seemed the best solution," he said.

"I offered the land, he built the track, and it seems to be working brilliantly. I haven't had one complaint since it got going ten weeks ago which says a lot. I just hope the council agrees."

And PC Hearmon has praised the efforts of Mr Ashby in a letter of support to Wycombe District Council's planning officers.

Cllr John Savage, (Flackwell Heath, Con) said: "It is extremely good for the residents who have had problems with bikers. Complaint numbers have dropped so long may it continue. But it is down to the planning committee and if they say no it will come to an end."

A spokesman for the council said: "In refusing planning permission this would mean that some unacceptable harm is considered to result from this use of land."