BIKE riders have given the thumbs-down to a purpose-built track which they say doesn't come up to scratch.

The BMX track in Golborne's Church Street park was originally requested by the community and the layout was meticulously planned by the youngsters who would use it and submitted to Wigan Council.

The authority approved the proposals and track work costing £8,000 began in April. But many riders claim the result is unfinished and dangerous.

The original plans were based on a well-used BMX track at Newton-le-Willows and the idea was to offer budding stunt stars something similar closer to home.

However Edwina Burgess, of Golborne Community Forum youth facilities sector, explained that those it was aimed at are far from happy with it.

She said: "It isn't what they asked for, it is insufficient. Although the council think it is completed they haven't built the sheltered seating we requested and the track is full of dangers, such as loose rubber cables."

Funding for the project came from a combination of grants which made £17,000 available for the track and development to the entrance to the park.

Mrs Burgess said: "They have spent £8,000 on the track, but I can't see how. I've asked for a breakdown. I'm very disappointed for the children. I've been to a few different sites to compare the tracks and ours is nowhere near good enough."

Golborne councillor Brian Strett is also disappointed. He said: "We feel there is a lot still to be done, it is now a case of finding out who's going to do it and when." A spokesman for the council said: "We are holding meetings next week to discuss the situation. We are trying to refine the track based on people's comments."