NEARLY 80 protesters turned out in a show of force against plans to build a cycle track on open land.

Neighbours gathered on New House Farm Playing Fields off Brodrick Drive, Breightmet, for a rally on Saturday opposing Bolton Council's proposal to construct a fenced-off cycle facility.

They held placards saying 'No track takeover' and 'Save our green field' and unfurled a banner which branded the proposal a "£1.2m vanity project" of Breightmet Labour ward councillor and keen cyclist John Byrne.

One of the co-organisers, Adam Rowinski, of Brodrick Drive, said: "This was a community protest against Bolton Council not wanting to listen to local residents.

"It's been great, considering it was organised at short notice.

"We have had residents from about half a mile around."

Their concerns, echoed in a petition which has reached 490 names, include loss of open space, increased traffic in the surrounding roads, the impact and loss of the view across the park caused by the introduction of floodlights and fencing, potential vandalism and the upkeep burden on a council they say cannot maintain the fields' existing fencing or basketball court properly as it is.

Mr Rowinski said most residents are not against the idea of the £4-a-go cycle track to benefit the borough but the fact the authority plans to locate it on New House Farm Playing Fields.

They say the space is well-used by, among others, local families, golfers practising their putting, rounders teams and even a bird of prey enthusiast who flies his falcon.

Mr Rowinski, aged 54, said: "It's a fantastic facility. Why spoil it?

"Put the track on Leverhulme Park instead.

"Leverhulme Park has the infrastructure already.

"Bolton Council is not even prepared to consider alternatives."

Protester David Holloway, of Kilbride Avenue, said: "We're a community and we should be left alone.

"We shouldn't suffer more traffic and more pollution.

"Down by Hilton Road, there's a field as big as this and no houses surrounding it and I have put this point to the council.

"I feel Councillor Byrne just wants to put Bolton on the map on the back of (Olympic medallist) Jason Kenny."

Sport England continues to object to the planning application, which was revised down from last year's original plans to include a smaller track.

The council has organised a public meeting to discuss the scheme on May 24 at Leverhulme Youth Centre, off Long Lane.

Scheduled for 4pm, the campaigners are trying to get the council to push the start back until 6pm to give more people the opportunity to attend.