Hundreds at anti-kart plan demo

Young villagers voice their protest

More than 650 protesters took part in a demonstration against plans to turn an area of outstanding natural beauty into an international race track.

Former motor-racing world Champion Nigel Mansell wants to expand the Dunkeswell go-kart track in east Devon which he bought last year.

Locals fear an increase in noise, pollution and traffic if councillors green light the development.

Kart club bosses said it was a vendetta against the track.

Pits and workshops

The 52-year-old track legend bought the club, which operates from a former World War II airbase.

His plans for a 30,000 square-foot, two-floor complex of new pits, workshops and facilities for visitors and users has caused uproar in surrounding rural communities.

Protesters from 26 surrounding villages chanted outside the club, which was holding a track meet, after marching about 1 mile (1.6km) from the centre of Dunkeswell. Police stood guard at the entrance.

Opponents of the scheme have launched a website, and 680 objection letters and a 293-signature petition have been sent to East Devon District Council. There have been 180 letters of support.

March organiser Fiona Cathcart said at the moment the karts raced nine Sundays a year at the club, which was established 30 years ago.

'Tiny area'

She said: "But what Nigel Mansell has applied for is seven days a week, nine to nine," she said adding that the noise would travel "absolutely miles".

"A lot of people feel if it can happen in an area of outstanding natural beauty, where else can it happen," she said.

"This a tiny area with tiny country lanes, our roads are going to be filled with cars," she added.

But Mr Mansell has said karts were no noisier than a normal road car, and the "best sound proofing on the market" had been used at the circuit.

Kart club chairman Ian Fugett has claimed there was a "vendetta" against the project by locals, and planes using the active airfield made more noise than the karts.

Mr Mansell was unavailable on Sunday to comment on the march.