VILLAGERS' worst nightmares could be realised on Sunday (August 24) if a scheduled motorbike-racing event takes place in the heart of their peaceful community.

Following our front page report last week, details have emerged of a planned championship meeting in Theydon Bois, by the East Kent Schoolboy Scramble Club.

It confirms the fears of villagers who were shocked to discover that a motocross circuit had been secretly built on the controversial Blunts Farm golf course development site in July.

The club's website carries photographs of riders testing the jumps at Blunts Farm, and a notification of the race meeting, which states: "It will now take place at Blunts Farm, Essex, which is a brand new venue never used before. It is approximately 30 miles from Dartford tunnel.

"The track is around 1.5miles long and has the potential to be a national venue."

Club chairman Gary Lane told the Guardian: "I can understand people's concerns but we won't be running meetings here 52 weeks a year. We are all volunteers and this is a non-profit making organisation which puts on family-friendly events for youngsters.

"All our members are insured, we have paramedic cover, and all are taught to respect the countryside."

He added: "The trouble is that when people think of motorbikes they think of Hells Angels. But I can assure people we’re not like that and we don't wish to upset anyone."

Land owner Phil Newman said he has just returned from a long trip overseas to find the work had been carried out without his permission.

He said he is in the process of selling the site, and that the prospective buyer had jumped the gun by carrying out works while he was away. He said he is investigating the matter to establish exactly what has happened.

Mr Newman agreed to ask the prospective buyer to contact the Guardian, but no one has yet got in touch.

Parish councillor Mike Emmett described the situation as a "farce" and pointed out that it now seems certain the proposed golf course at the site - approved in April 2000 - will never be built.

He said: "For years this developer has continuously misled residents, councillors and the media.

"So although I’m disappointed to discover this latest development, I’m not surprised at all."

Epping Forest District Council has threatened to take enforcement action unless the site is returned to its original state by the end of August.

What do you think?

Email djackman@london.newsquest.co.uk