HOPES of bringing a cycling track to Great Harwood have edged closer after council chiefs say the site is not earmarked for development.

Rob Richards set up the Great Harwood Outdoor Skills Track campaign group on Facebook to try to give young people some fun activities in the community similar to tracks elsewhere.

However, the 41-year-old has been in talks with Hyndburn Council to find a suitable venue.

One of the options was land off Alan Ramsbottom Way and the council say it is not scheduled for housing or business development.

Rob said: "It is exciting news and it moves us a step closer.

"We need to map out the area and then try to get some designers down there who have experience of doing schemes like this.

"The council have been great as they have tried to help as long it is something for kids.

"If we can get plans designed then it will go out for a consultation with the public and hopefully they can agree it will be a great thing for the community."

Mr Richards believes it will be a good thing in the area.

He said: "There are some parks in Great Harwood but there is nothing really for them and after the youth centre closure then need a facility.

"But it is not just for young people, it can be for families and all they need to do is get a bike or even borrow one and get active.

"As far as I am aware there some people have been telling me that there was an old BMX track there.

"It is in a good spot as with bikes there is no noise and all we have to make sure is that there is suitable lighting to make sure it is safe.

"If it goes through the consultation then we need to get funding from Sport England for it."

Cllr Noordad Aziz, who represents the Netherton ward, said: "It is something we would encourage and I would be all for it.

"It is a long process and there are quite a lot of things to be done to make it happen."