AN ambitious new equestrian project could offer horse owners a safe place to train and attract hundreds of visitors to the North-East.

Supporters of harness racing have called a public meeting in Eldon Lane, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, later this month to set their dream of opening an all-weather track under way.

Although the sport has strong backing in the North-East, racers have to travel to York or Edinburgh to find a permanent circuit.

Now fan Richard Wigham wants to set up a management committee to find a site and explore sources of funding.

He is supported by the family of Wayne Walker, who died when a car ploughed into his pony and trap on the A182 Washington Highway last April.

The 33-year-old had wanted to build a training farm and trotting circuit in Springwell Village but was refused planning permission by Sunderland City Council in 2001. Mr Wigham said: "We want to stop tragedies like that from happening. There are too many horses on the roads because there is nowhere safe for them to exercise and train.

"It could be a facility that would be used for all types of equestrian sport, including pony racing, showing and show jumping, as well as greyhounds and whippets.

"We would open it as a half-mile training track and hope eventually to develop it into a stadium with facilities.

"It will be run professionally as a non-profit making community venture, with all the money ploughed back in.

At present Witton Castle, near Bishop Auckland, stages occasional racing meetings and there are other events at Wolsingham and Stanhope.

The meeting is at the One Stop Shop, Eldon Lane, on Tuesday, October 28, at 7pm. Contact Mr Wigham on (01388) 527737.