Quad-bike track for youngsters faces rejection

Dec 12 2006 By The Journal

A former clothing company warehouse in Northumberland has been earmarked for an indoor racing circuit and training centre for young quad bike enthusiasts.

Youngsters aged six to 12 would be able to race and be taught how to ride and repair them at the former Dewhirst building on Ashington's Jubilee Industrial Estate.

The scheme is being supported by Northumbria Police, who say it would cut down on illegal, off-road motorcycling.

But Wansbeck councillors will be urged to refuse planning permission for the project - by County Durham-based Dirt Squirts UK Ltd - because it won't create enough employment.

Business experts say they would expect the 31,000sq ft building to create around 85 jobs, but the application proposes only 18.

Planning officials also say the warehouse would be suitable for a local manufacturer which is currently looking to expand.

The warehouse is part of the Dewhirst Ladieswear complex which closed with the loss of 425 jobs almost three years ago.

Chester-le-Street firm Dirt Squirts UK wants to convert it into an indoor racing circuit for battery-powered quad bikes with rider training, a repairs facility and a dealership.

Fifteen letters of objection and a protest petition have been received from local people who fear increased noise and pollution, traffic and parking problems.

Police chiefs say motorbike disorder is a persistent problem in Wansbeck and the venture might help reduce it and provide a valuable educational tool for young riders. A report to Wansbeck Council's regulatory committee on Thursday says some of the objections are unfounded but the employment creation is poor.

Planning officer Richard Gee says: "There are other, more appropriate, interests currently which may lead to a manufacturing business occupying the premises."

No-one from Dirt Squirts UK could be contacted for comment.