Some living in Willowcroft Way in Cringleford are excited about the scheme and hope it will provide them with an opportunity to pick up their own skateboards,

One such local is 65-year-old Chris Wink, who first took up the sport at 14 and intends to make full use of the new 190ft by 115ft track.

The land is currently used as a football pitch and for dog-walkers (Image: Newsquest)

Others, however, fear the park - also known as a pump track - will become a "breeding ground for drugs" and hope to put a stop to Cringleford Parish Council's proposals.

NEIGHBOURS AT LOGGERHEADS

Mr Wink regularly skates at Eaton Park but would love the opportunity to have a track closer to home.

The retired wood machinist and DJ, who lives in Willowcroft Ways, says his closest pump track is in Bury St Edmunds at Mildenhall - 40 miles away.

Mr Wink pictured here in front of the pitch where the pump track could be built (Image: Newsquest)

When he found out about the council's plans he said: "I can't believe it. It'll be literally around the corner from me."

Other neighbours also back the proposals and have written to South Norfolk Council expressing their support saying it is needed for younger people.

But some living in the estate fear the park will lead to anti-social behaviour.

Dad of two, Ben Lake, says he has also written to the council expressing his concerns.

Ben Lake worries the scheme will instead become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Lake, 46, who lives on nearby Viola Close said: "It's going to look an eyesore because it will be graffitied over.

"It's going to become a breeding ground for drinking and drugs. Of course there are benefits to it but this is a lovely area and I feel this is not the right development for it."

Another neighbour who wrote to the council said: "The football pitch is regularly used by the whole community. The proposed pump track is not going to be accessible to all and would appear to be used by a minority of parishioners.

"It is likely to encourage individuals from other areas to come into the area and create potential for antisocial behaviour in a quiet community."

Cringleford Parish Council wants to build the track at the recreation ground behind the Willow Centre, which is currently used as a football pitch.

According to the designs, the track's loop will stretch 721ft, with a total area of approximately 3,3906sq ft.

An illustration of what the pump track could look like (Image: Four One Four Ltd)

The plans come after a group of young people established their own "improvised cycle track", causing damage to one of woods in Cringleford.

In the council's planning statement, it said: "Following the council reporting the damage in its local newsletter, one young person and their parents owned to being part of the group.

"This led to a helpful discussion of the recreational needs of the parish that grew into a young persons’ focus group to identify additional outdoor activities required."

The parish council is based at the Willow Centre next to where the pump track could be built (Image: Newsquest)

Sonya Blythe, the clerk for the parish council, wrote in the application: "There remains a lack of opportunities for young people not interested in field sports.

"Cringleford pump track is designed to provide one such opportunity.

"Having a local track will mean our residents - from children to adults, beginners, experienced, or pros - can enjoy cycling without having to travel, with the nearest equivalent track being six miles away."

WHY IS IT CALLED A PUMP TRACK?

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The term was coined in the 1980s and refers to the rider's motions to keep a board or bike going without the assistance of pedalling or gravity.

Pump tracks grew out of BMX racing and dirt jumping scenes, where riders built small dirt loops to practise handling and speed without needing a full race track.

The rider generates speed by shifting their weight and pushing down through the board over the bumps and through the turns.

© Norwich Evening News