BMX riders are keen to turn a new bike track at Yeadon Tarn into a top venue for the sport in the region - but say council help is needed for better facilities.

The track was built and surfaced earlier this year by Leeds Leisure Services, working with community groups, including Leeds BMX Club.

Since the track was laid out, members of Leeds BMX Club have moved in to enjoy the site - but want to maximise safety and add storage, a first aid and refreshments area, and an electronic 'starting gate', to make the track suitable for competition.

They say the surface of the track has not been finished since a

fine-grade gravel is needed to stop injuries when cyclists fall, and some of the track may need to be remodelled.

Chairman of Leeds BMX Club, Jeremy Hayes, of Horsforth, also hopes to turn the track into a centre for regional or even national-level competition, as well as providing local teenagers and children with a safe and constructive hobby.

Although delighted to see the fruits of his four years of campaigning, he would like to have the full support of Aireborough residents and ward councillors, to add the finishing touches to the track

He said: "It is still rideable, but the kids are always asking when is it going to be finished. This is the biggest community project for young people in the area for quite some time.

"What we really need is the support of the councillors."

Several members of the club already compete at national and

international level, and Mr Hayes believes giving youngsters the best facilities may nurture some home-grown BMX champions.

He said Britain lags behind many other countries in providing facilities for young people.

The club has applied for a National Lottery Awards for All grant for some of the facilities, but would like Leeds Leisure Services to surface and remodel the track, in time for the school summer holidays.

It is also looking into holding professional coaching sessions to train youngsters new to the sport.

Ward councillors were expected to meet with Leeds Leisure Services today (Thursday) to discuss a number of leisure and maintenance issues in Aireborough.

Councillor Graham Latty (Cons, Aireborough), who sits on the CIT, said: "It's not really moving very fast. Leisure Services came and left heaps of spoil there, and it's ready to have something done to it."

He is also keen to see activities set up as a diversion to prevent gangs of young people forming around the Tarn.