MOTOCROSS events which had attracted up to 2,000 visitors to farmland have been stopped from taking place this year after villagers complained about the show’s noise levels.

Crookwood farm in Potterne rented out the land in 2017 to motocross event holders who held two events which saw bikers come from across the country and region.

Residents raised objections to the noise and disturbance levels during this time and said that the narrow Crookwood lanes could become a safety risk if emergency services were unable to pass.

The sport attracts visitors of up to 20,000 visitors to some of its larger events and the Parish Council fears that the event could grow more popular and cause more misery for residents.

One resident described a serious incident in which a horse rider was forced to dismount after one high speed motorbike spooked the horse while out on a bridleway.

Resident Mervyn Dobson highlighted the safety risk of the event and described how hundreds of Winnebagos and large vehicles used the narrow roadway to and from the farm. He believes that emergency vehicles could be blocked from gaining access to the site should a biking accident occur.

He said: “The track lane is very dangerous. Residents have a direct experience very high levels of noise and roads disturbance."

Councillor for Easterton Chris Saunders added there were currently 37 other motocross tracks within a 40 mile radius of Devizes and believed that more suited sites could be found in less populated areas. He said: “The benefit is minute while the cost of disturbance is unbearable over the days of the event.”

Motocross organiser Tim Trueman championed the sport and said that it was an important family event that was loved by visitors.

Mr Trueman said “This event is loved by families. It gets them out and interacting with each other. Child obesity is a massive issues and this gets families outside in the fresh air.

“People love coming to our events.”

Crookwood framer Mr Harris added: “The Government want farmers to diversify more so why not motocross? There at many shops in the area that supply motocross equipment and they all contribute to taxes.”

Councillor

s at the Eastern Area Planning Committee voted unanimously to remove permitted development rights at the farm immediately to stop future events happening until official planning permission had been granted.

Future event organisers must now apply for planning if they wish to carry out motocross events on the farmland.