Residents of a quiet housing estate have been left stunned after open grass in front of their homes was put forward as a future site for a bike track.
People living near the entrance to Wellside in Haddington, East Lothian, received leaflets highlighting the fact a popular dog walking space in the area was one of three sites being considered for the track by the council.
Pump tracks are popular with skateboarders and off-road bikes and consist of a rolling track on hills and bends.
The local authority has launched a consultation into possible sites in the town for a track.
LDRSThe inclusion of the council-owned open space near the local high school came as a “shock” to locals, after many believed it would involve land on the east of Haddington where there is a skate park already established.
One resident, who has young children, said: “Families enjoy playing there with their young children and dogs. It would be a nightmare if it was turned into a track for this kind of use.”
While another retired resident said: “Why would they put it between a main road and family homes?
“It is just moving antisocial behaviour from one part of the town onto another, this time our doorsteps.”
The land at Wellside, which the council is considering for the track, was dug up a few years ago to have underground sewage works put in to serve new housing being built in the town.
New trees were planted as part of the restoration work on the grass alongside established trees and hedgerow lining it.
East Lothian Council said the consultation on pump track sites would be open until July 31.
A council spokesperson said: “The sites included in the consultation are amenity areas of a size that could accommodate a pump track but all are subject to planning permission and the consultation aims to help us consider suitability.
“We welcome the feedback regarding Wellside and other sites to help inform a preferred location.”
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