PLANS for a racecourse on the outskirts of Astley and Boothstown was unveiled by a property developer on Wednesday.

Former jockey Willie Carson and eventing champion Lucinda Green were at the relaunch of the multi-million Manchester Race Course scheme by Peel Holdings.

The original plans included an equestrian centre, a luxury hotel, a golf course, clubhouse and driving range, woodland trails, and an "eco village" on the 2,000-acre site at Botany Bay Wood, near the M60.

The plans met with fierce local opposition from local people two years ago. They said the racecourse would have taken up green belt land and a car park for 7,000 cars would have caused traffic problems.