AN ambitious new equestrian project could offer horse owners a safe place to train and could attract hundreds of visitors to the Wear Valley district.

Supporters of harness racing have called a public meeting in Eldon Lane 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, which has the second biggest number of licensed members in the country, people have to travel to York or Edinburgh to a permanent track.

Racing 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 centre 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.

"Durham County Council and Wear Valley District Council are helping us to find a suitable site of about 24 acres with good access."

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

Mr Wigham said: "There is a tremendous interest in the sport. It attracts people from all walks of life.

"There were 400 people at Witton Castle last week and I think they would come from all over England and Scotland."

The public meeting is at the One Stop Shop, Eldon Lane, on Tuesday, October 28, at 7pm. For details or to offer support contact Mr Wigham on (01388) 527737.

Published: ??/??/2003