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Friday, November 21, 2008, 12:00
Residents in Maidencroft Lane and Old Wells Road say noise from motorcycle trials on the site is a nuisance.
But Jason Atwell denies any motorbike activity takes place and says moans about excessive noise are unfounded. He claims the continuing complaints amount to harassment and has threatened legal action if they persist.
Meanwhile, Mendip District Council says it is monitoring the area after pulling out of one bid to stop alleged motorcycle riding on the land.
People living near the land say motorbikes use it every Wednesday and Saturday.
Mr Atwell says although the land has a 30-year history of motorcycle use, there has been no such activity there for the past 15 months.
He said: "This has all been greatly exaggerated. There has not been any noise at all. I have not done anything wrong. All of the legal issues regarding my ownership of the land have gone through planning departments and inspectors. It has all been wrapped up.
"I'm not out to annoy anyone, but these allegations are false and now bordering on harassment."
Mr Atwell says the land is still, in essence, a woodland area which he tries to keep tidy. He uses a chainsaw to deal with fallen trees and branches which some people might mistake for a motorbike because of its sound.
He believes the issue has more to do with residents taking exception to the fact he owns the land.
He said: "If people are so concerned about me owning the land, they are more than welcome to buy it from me for £120,000."
Despite his denials, nearby residents are convinced motorcycle trials have been running for the past seven years. They are urging Mendip District Council to issue an enforcement order.
Patricia O'Carroll, who moved to Old Wells Road ten years ago, said: "This area is the last place on earth you would expect to see motorbike trialling. How it has been allowed to happen baffles me.
"Mendip District Council has tried to issue enforcement notices before, but they failed because they contained errors. Unless someone urges them to push forward, this problem will remain.
"I'm not the only one who feels this way, all of my neighbours are bothered by the noise. Some say they can't stay out in their gardens because of it."
A spokesman at Mendip District Council said: "An enforcement notice was issued by the council in relation to the alleged use of the land at Maidencroft Lane for motorcycle trialling.
"The landowner subsequently appealed the enforcement notice and, having considered the landowner's grounds of appeal, the council decided to withdraw the notice.
"The council has invited the landowner to substantiate their claim that the use of the land and track are lawful and not a breach of planning control and the council continues to monitor the situation."
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