Survey rules out motorsport plans

Motorsports will not be included in plans to regenerate a former South Yorkshire colliery after public opposition to the idea.

Rabbit Ings colliery at Royston, near Barnsley, is likely to be turned into a public space instead, regeneration agency English Partnerships said.

The decision follows interviews with 1,000 people in the area and nearby Wakefield district.

"The people have spoken and we have listened," a spokesman said.

Sport facilities could be included in plans for the 150-acre site after people expressed an interest in the option.

But potential noise created by motocross, rally driving and quad biking had ruled those sports out as options, the spokesman added.

A final option will be drawn up after a full appraisal of the social, environmental and economic issues of the proposals.