CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a BMX bike track in ancient woodland look set to be shelved following fierce opposition.

Castle Point councillors provisionally agreed to create the dirt jump track in West Wood, for youngsters in Thundersley and Hadleigh to ride their bikes.

However, the move sparked anger from some residents and nature groups, who fear the proposed site would harm wildlife and become a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

Neal Warren, of Rayleigh Road, had called for a public meeting to discuss the proposal.

He said: "We fully understand the need for facilities like a track to keep youngsters off the streets. We are not against having the track, but about putting it in the wood.

"It is a 200-year-old woodland, and it seems ludicrous to everybody to build it there."

Dr Bob Spink, Castle Point's Conservative MP, said adverse reaction in the borough was leading councillors to rethink their initial plans.

He said: "I understand from councillors the proposed BMX track in West Wood nature reserve is now to be dropped, although the council wishes to save face by proceeding with a consultation prior to making a formal announcement.

"I cannot understand why councillors first proposed this site, which is totally inappropriate, from a safety point of view for children and from an environmental perspective.

"I hope the council will proceed quickly and find an alternative site for this much-needed facility for youngsters."

Cliff Brunt, Castle Point councillor for Victoria ward, admitted the site plans, agreed in July, were looking unlikely.

He said: "All the calls we received are saying, We don't want the track in West Wood, but what about Kiln Road or Scrub Lane?' They do agree on doing something for the youth.

"I feel if it's not going to go anywhere in West Wood, we would be silly to pursue it too much. We should wait until the storm has calmed and see where else we can do it."

David Marchant, the council's chief executive, said the council was still gathering views. He added: "Clearly it is not going to be done there if a huge amount of people are against it, but a decision has yet to be taken."