Petrol-driven model boats could be banned permanently from Keighley Tarn.

Enthusiasts this week reacted angrily to news that they could be barred from the hill-top lake after many years of racing.

But Bradford council countryside chiefs, who are acting on complaints of excessive noise, insist they want to reach an agreement that will keep everyone happy. And they stress that any long-term ban will not apply to quieter models such as yachts and battery-powered boats.

Noisy models such as powerboats may be allowed at certain times, so long as other visitors and local residents do not mind.

The row erupted as the council announced that the tarn would be closed to everyone for the next six weeks to carry out £50,000 of improvements.

Money from the Landfill Tax will be spent on improving the footpath around the tarn, repairing the bank, resurfacing the car park, landscaping and providing picnic tables and new drains.

The aim is to make the lake on Blackhill, also known as Redcar Tarn, a haven for wildlife while encouraging more people to visit.

The lake was for many decades a popular spot for local families, walkers, model boat owners and courting couples.

In recent years it has fallen into disrepair and disuse, with water draining out leaving the lake almost empty through summer.

Members of Keighley Model Engineering Society's marine section have continued to use the tarn but were forced to abandon their popular regattas.

This month members were shocked to see a sign at the tarn outlawing jet skis and "certain types of powered and model boats". John Barraclough, the marine section secretary, discussed their concerns with the council's countryside manager, Danny Jackson, and called a meeting this week to inform local modellers of the outcome.

While improvement work is going on, Mr Jackson hopes to meet the modellers himself to discuss long-term arrangements for the use of noisy boats, possibly at restricted times.

In a letter to Mr Barraclough, read out at the meeting, he said the ban must stay in force until arrangements were finalised.

And he stressed that any agreement to allow model boats would have to be acceptable to other parties such as visitors to the tarn and people living nearby.

Mr Jackson said that any acceptable compromise should not undermine the wildlife or create too much disturbance.

Mr Barraclough says many of the modellers at the meeting were upset. "They will not kow-tow to the council, but no one will do anything illegal," he adds.

Mr Barraclough insists model boats do not frighten or endanger wildlife, and members are willing to keep away from the tarn during the breeding season.

He says the tarn has been used for model boating for many decades without problems. In 1974 it hosted the world championships.

Mr Barraclough adds: "We'd like to bring back the regatta and use the tarn for club events. I can't see why we can't all live together."

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