A PETITION against a cycle track labelled an "eyesore" by campaigners has attracted hundreds of signatures.

Bolton Council wants to build a fenced off cycling track on the playing field at New House Farm in Breightmet.

The scheme is designed to increase cycling, and provide a community facility for the town's growing cycle and fitness clubs.

The council said the project will cost about £650,000, and it hopes to cover £400,000 of the cost with a funding bid from British Cycling.

Campaigners claim the overall cost of the project is £1.3 million, but a council spokesman denied this.

An online petition has attracted 466 signatures, from an original target of 500, and the petition states campaigners believe the project is a "waste of money", which could be spent on "regeneration, more police and cleaning".

They also claim the new track will cause problems with traffic and anti-social behaviour, and oppose proposed floodlighting.

But the council said the lighting at the site is actually low-level street lighting, not floodlights.

The council submitted a planning application last year but withdrew it before a decision was made.

Chris Banks, a campaigner who opposes the plans, claimed residents had not been informed about the project.

He said: "Residents have been kept in the dark, nobody knows about the development, any information we've managed to obtain has come from FOI and contacting Bolton Council with specific requests. This is a stealth project to avoid any complaints being registered."

On the petition, another campaigner Susan Banks added: "It was made abundantly clear to the council on the last occasion that residents did not want the cycle track on this beautiful green field that is so well used and loved by the local community.

"Why is Bolton Council so deaf to its council tax-paying residents? I live very near to the field and love the peace and quiet when out walking the dog. Local people do not want this area spoiled by an intrusive cycle track.

A council spokesman said: “We are currently consulting on the planning application and any representations received on planning grounds, will be considered.

"As with any planning application, the work is subject to approval and this application will ultimately be decided by planning committee.”