PLANS to bring speedway action back to South Dorset were given a resounding thumbs-up by enthusiasts last night.

Hundreds of dirt-track fans packed Willowbed Hall in Chickerell as proposals for a circuit at Buckland Ripers were unveiled.

Promoter Brian White told supporters that speedway would put the area on the map and boost tourism in West Dorset.

A small number of objectors were also present, the majority of whom live in the tiny village off the B3157.

But in the main, it was speedway followers, some from as far afield as Poole, Swindon, Wolverhampton and Coventry, who were there to back the project.

They heard how Mr White's proposals, which have been submitted to West Dorset District Council, include a 270-metre shale track, a new access road on to Nottington Lane, hospitality boxes, supporters' shop and banking for spectators.

The Weymouth businessman and former rider said: "I was absolutely taken aback by the amount of support. It's been a great evening and it's certainly given me renewed hope that we can get speedway off the ground again. The backing is there in terms of the public and all we need now is a thumbs-up from planners."

He added: "We might miss entry for the Conference League for this season but if we can get the track down, ride a few friendly fixtures and get Chickerell's name on the map then we should be well placed to start competitive action in 2004."

Among concerns raised by objectors were noise levels, increased traffic, the impact on the environment and fears that house prices in Buckland Ripers would detoriate if plans are given the green light.

Ann Buckler, from Buckland Ripers, said: "Nobody will ever want to buy a house anywhere near a speedway track and prices will suffer."

However Mr White assured residents that the effect on villagers would be minimal.

"The meeting was designed as a fans' forum but I've been happy to allow objectors an hour to voice their concerns and I'm more than happy to be as open and honest as I can with them. But at the end of the day speedway is only about 15 minutes of noise a meeting and while I understand their concerns, it works in other small places and puts an area on the map," he said.

Among last night's audience were a galaxy of speedway stars past and present including former Weymouth legends Lew Coffin and Geoff Swindells, Somerset Rebels favourite Steve Bishop and one of the sport's hottest young properties 11-year old George Piper from Blandford.

Coffin, who celebrated his 80th birthday last year, said: "People used to plan their holidays around the speedway and if it comes back it will be the making of the area."

Swindells, who thrilled fans at the old Wessex Stadium in the Seventies and Eighties while riding for the now defunct Wildcats, added: "There is an entire generation who have missed out on speedway in the area. Critics perhaps have a lack of knowledge of what is really involved."

Similarites were drawn between Chickerell's proposals and those in place at the successful Somerset promotion near Burnham.

Bishop said: "Before the Rebels started, people in the area were dead against it but once it got off the ground there were no problems."

Plans for Chickerell speedway will be discussed by Chickerell Town Council on February 20 and are expected to go before West Dorset planners on March 13.