Keighley kart enthusiasts could soon be burning around a new indoor track set to be built this year.

The track, to be used by pre-booked private parties, would have ten karts of the new 1999 design - low engine noise and emissions - running at any one time for about four hours every day. It would be primarily aimed at business people and youngsters over the age of 11.

It is due to be built at Devonshire Works, in Pitt Street, Keighley, which is pres-ently an empty foundry. The foundry was formerly Naylors.

Applicant Tim Denton, who runs Metcalfe Castings, in Parkwood Street, Keighley, hopes this new scheme will provide the town with another amenity, which he feels is desperately needed.

He says: "Once young people have tired of the clubbing scene and want something new to do, this will be the perfect solution because they would be able to come here with a group of friends and have a great night out. It's also a wonderful stress reliever for those who feel they need it after a hard day at the office. It's just good entertainment and gets the adrenalin pumping.

"There's a track on the outskirts of Bradford but that is not easy to get to on public transport, whereas this one is only a five-minute walk from the station. It is very accessible for those who use other forms of public transport or come in their own cars."

As yet, no complaints have come from nearby businesses which have all been consulted, and the site is not in the vicinity of any houses.

The karts are said to be able to get up to a maximum speed of about 30mph on an indoor track. Staff will man the premises from 10am-10pm dai-ly for maintenance work to be carried out and to take telephone enquiries. There would be four full-time staff and 12 part-time.

Access to the site is via Low Mill Lane and there are presently 30 car parking spaces. A closed-circuit television camsystem would also be installed.

The building is said to be thick enough to contain any noise and four fans are in place to extract exhaust fumes.

Mr Denton hopes the track will be up and running by Easter if the plan is passed by Bradford council.

The application, which is a partnership scheme, was received by Keighley planners in December. Its site notice expires on January 26 to be followed by consultations between planners and various other bodies. It will be discussed by Bradford council's planning committee once these have been completed. They will give a final decision.

on the scheme.

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