CIVIC chiefs have backed a scheme to extend a cycleway from Bishopstoke to Fair Oak's Wyvern School - even though objectors claimed it wasn't worth building because so few cyclists used the existing stretch.

But engineers told the protesters at a meeting of Eastleigh council's Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Horton Heath local area committee that a study by Wyvern Technology College showed there was a demand from pupils of the college and neighbouring schools.

The Eastleigh council engineers, Stuart Robinson-Woledge and John Remington, said something had to be done to reduce car use because traffic was forecast to double in the next 25 years.

The preferred option for he cycleway involves a shared cycle and pedestrian way along the south side of Fair Oak Road eastwards from Allington Lane, where an existing cycleway from Bishopstoke currently ends.

It would reach Wyvern via the carriageway of Fratton Way and a new cycle and pedestrian path alongside playing fields at the back of the school.

It includes a parallel cycle route along Dean Road, to connect with a new cycleway from housing on the former Brookfield Fruit Farm.

The £190,000 cost of the Hampshire County Council scheme is to come from a planning deal hammered out with developers of the Brookfield site.

If the county council presses on with the scheme, engineers hope to continue their public consultation through an exhibition next summer. The cycleway could be open as early as 2003.

Engineer John Remington said: "The school travel plan is a very important document and we're trying to realise all its ambitions."

But Wyvern College head teacher, Sheila Campbell, emphasised that the school was not campaigning for a cycleway, and retained a neutral stance.

"We can only do that, because we're just part of the community," Miss Campbell said.

Objectors at the meeting complained that parts of the cycleway could be dangerous, and would involve loss of parking, but two school governors told councillors they personally thought the route was needed to encourage cycling.

One of the governors, Karen Hercock, who lives close to the school, said: "The reason the cycleway from Bishopstoke has little use is that at the moment it doesn't go anywhere."

The committee voted to tell the county council it backs the extension in principle, though residents were concerned, and the parish council was yet to give its view.