EX-JOCKEY Willie Carson has backed plans to build a £100 million racecourse on the doorstep of Bolton.

Racing lover Carson appeared at the re-launch of the New Manchester Racecourse and said the plans would give the sport a major boost.

The 1,700 acre site - equivalent in size of Manchester city centre - has been proposed for Salford Forest Park on land at Worsley and Boothstown.

A spokesman for Peel Holdings said only one per cent of the total land area would be taken up by buildings. Two new entrances to the racecourse have been proposed - one off the slip road to Junction 13 of the M60 at Worsley, and the other off the East Lancs Road at Boothstown.

The ambitious proposals will be submitted by the property developer to Salford Council's planning chiefs within two years.

The original proposals were withdrawn two years ago following protests from residents who believed the project would have a damaging effect on the environment.

After another period of consultation, Peel relaunched the project at Worsley's Marriott Hotel yesterday. There was also a two-minute promotional video and computer simulation of the racecourse.

Mr Carson said: "This is a very exciting thing for the people of Manchester. More than 2.2 million people in Salford and Manchester said they want a racecourse, so the backing is there. It's a great chance for the people of Manchester and I hope the plans go ahead. The racing world fully supports the plans."

Lucinda Green, eventing champion, said: "I feel like a kid in a sweetshop. To have such top-quality facilities on one site is great and will boost the sport." Peter Mears, strategic planning director for Peel Holdings, said: "Over the past few years, Manchester has led the country in developing sporting facilities. The Commonwealth Games provided a real boost for the city, and Manchester Racecourse will complement these facilities and build on Manchester's worldwide reputation as a city of sporting excellence."

Two years ago, the Boothstown and Astley Green Residents' Association opposed the original plans at packed public meetings.

Alan Liptrot, committee member on the Astley Green Residents' Association, said it would oppose any plans to build on Green Belt land. He said: "When this scheme was first announced, it attracted a great deal of controversy. We would have concerns about building a road on Green Belt land because a number of trees would have to be cut down. It would affect the wildlife including birds and deer which roam the estate."