A GREAT Harwood dad-of-two has launched a petition to try to bring a BMX cycling pump track to the area.

Rob Richards wants support from members of the public to get as many signatures to back calls for the Great Harwood Outdoor Skills Track (GHOST) facility to give young people something to do in the area similar to the ones in Pendle.

After an appeal on Facebook, he has already got more than 250 signatures in three days and now wants to rally more people to sign up.

The 41-year-old said: "If you look at the figures there has been an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour in Great Harwood.

"We know that the way crimes have been recorded has changed also but I think that a cycling pump track would give the kids something to do.

"More kids would use this rather than hanging around street corners.

"I have spoken to the people who run the BMX track in Pendle and the amount of kids who are riding outdoors in the fresh air is great.

"It will also bring people from other areas to get a bike and come to Great Harwood."

Cllr Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Council, said: "If we can find somewhere in the small in the area to have a track then we would discuss it.

"If it gives young people the chance to be active and healthy then it would be a good thing."

To sign the petition visit change.org and search for 'cycling Great Harwood'.