A NEW extreme sports facility proposed for Redditch could become a Mecca for BMX riders from throughout the West Midlands.

An extreme BMX track, to be located next to Redditch Skate Park at Icknield Street Drive in Matchborough, is being considered by Redditch Council in partnership with Redditch Premiers BMX Club and Matchborough councillor Juliet Brunner is one of its main advocates.

"There has been a decrease in antisocial behaviour by a third in my ward through a multi-agency approach like this one.

"We want young people to enjoy themselves in a safe environment and I feel this scheme is going to be very exciting," said Mrs Brunner.

The project has an estimated cost of £227,000 with funding of £120,000 from the council and the rest being made up of a British Cycling grant and contributions from local businesses.

UK BMX racing was founded in Redditch in 1980 by Halfords employee David Duffield, sparking a massive boom in the sport nationwide.

There are currently no BMX tracks in the West Midlands and with the sport now included in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, councillors felt the track would do a great service to the town.

Councillor Greg Chance said that this was a real opportunity to make a difference and working in partnership like this would mean the burden would not only be on the taxpayer.

Councillor Peter Anderson added: "This will be the only way that we will see anything of the Olympics in Redditch."

However, Councillor Michael Braley stressed the council must make sure it gets the best value for money and asked, if the facility could support the whole of the West Midlands, why more money could not be brought in from outside.

Councillor Malcolm Hall said: "I think it would be a mistake to put all our eggs in one basket and build all the facilities on one site at the Abbey.

"This is providing an excellent facility and I'm sure it will be well used by the people of areas such as Winyates and Matchborough."

Councillors voted in favour of the project and the matter will now go forward to full council.