TEENAGE trial bike riders are one step closer to having a site in Hedge End to practise their sport.

Six bikers made their heartfelt plea for a purpose-built facility with obstacles such as logs, rocks, crates and industrial piping installed, at a meeting of Hedge End Town Council.

They won a conditional promise and a round of applause from councillors who listened to their deputation.

The youngsters said they were running out of places to ride and were constantly being harassed by security guards because they were riding on walls. They asked councillors if they could be allocated a purpose-built site the size of a tennis court.

Councillor Jerry Hall told council colleagues: "I think this is a great idea.

"I don't think anyone is opposed to what they want - the only problem I can see is the insurance because it has got to be open for public access."

Council chairman Jane Welsh agreed that the crux of the matter would be insurance but told the teenagers: "I think we are all in support of the idea in principle. If it can go ahead I am sure it will."

However no sites have yet been earmarked as being suitable for the facility.

The youngsters were congratulated by the councillors for the clarity of their presentation.

The matter will now go to the next meeting of the town council's recreation and amenities committee.

Town clerk Kevin Glyn-Davies told councillors he had obtained a "ball park" figure of £5,000 a year for insurance because the facility would be open to the public.

He told councillors: "If someone comes hurtling off and injures themselves they could sue the council."