A CONTROVERSIAL motocross track near Winchester could be up and running next month.

Preparations for converting farmland near Three Maids Hill into a circuit are well advanced.

Planning permission for five years was granted by council planners in the spring.

Sound-muffling bunds are being created and improvements to highways access are set to be made on land at Down Farm.

The track was vehemently opposed by people living in nearby South Wonston, supported by local MP Mark Oaten.

But the main promoter, Tony Child, of Eastleigh-based Tonymoto Motorcyles, believes fears over noise pollution will prove groundless once the racing starts.

He said: "When we did the noise tests we had 100 bikes and the wind was directly to South Wonston. One of the planning conditions is that we will have a maximum of 40 bikes. Any overly noisy machines will not be allowed. I'm really looking forward to it. I think it is something that Winchester should be proud of. It will be a premier circuit.

"The size of it, the viewing areas, its location - I think it will be one of the best in the UK and will attract professional events and TV coverage, bringing a lot of people to the area."

It will also reduce if not eradicate illegal riding on bridleways and footpaths in the Winchester area, believes Mr Child.

"Illegal use will go down. Riders aren't using the water tower site at South Wonston because they know they will soon have somewhere to ride and so they don't use it."