A FIELD of dreams is finally taking shape as a Hampshire businessman prepares to open the biggest motocross track in the country.

The track could be open by the end of the year and is set to attract riders from across Hampshire and southern England.

Tony Child has overcome local opposition to get approval for the 20-hectare site at Three Maids Hill north of Winchester.

Contractors are on site moving thousands of tonnes of soil and chalk to prepare the ground and to build five-metre-high banks that should prevent noise pollution.

Neighbours campaigned against the plans, arguing the sound of scores of motorbikes would ruin their weekends.

But Mr Child, who runs the Tonymoto motorbike shop in Eastleigh, denied noise pollution would be a problem. "We have a five-metre-high acoustic barrier that will completely surround the site. Noise testing has shown there won't be a problem. This is also in a natural bowl, which helps with the noise."

Mr Child's previous site on the other side of the A34 operated briefly about two years ago but there was no bunding to prevent noise pollution, which affected homes in nearby Littleton and South Wonston.

Surveying the track taking shape, he said he hoped to open by December.

"I have been working on the project for three years and it's great to see it coming together," he said.

"This is something that Hampshire can be proud of, and certainly Winchester."

He argued that much illegal motorbike use, especially on country paths, will stop once the new track is opened. It is a view supported by the police who have backed him.

Mr Child hopes the track could host a round in the British motocross championships and perhaps the world championships.