TWO serious accidents at a weekend motocross meeting in Billington have prompted calls for tough new rules to control access to the site.

But today Rossendale Motocross Club secretary Andrew Peacock said effective safety precautions were already in place.

David Brockley, 31, of Stalybridge, Cheshire, came off his bike after riding over an artificial mound.

He suffered serious head and leg injuries when the bike landed on top of him. He was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary, where his condition in the hospital's intensive care unit was described as "stable and comfortable".

Another rider suffered a suspected broken leg during Sunday's 19-race event, which attracted 160 competitors and almost 400 spectators.

But a row has erupted regarding a single-lane track which leads to the Whalley Nab site off Moor Lane in Billington.

Billington and Langho parish councillor Graham Sowter said the accidents highlighted the need for a one-way system promised by the club. He said: "The club agreed to operate a voluntary one-way system in Moor Lane. This would mean less disturbance for residents, prevent degradation of the verges and, in case of emergencies, an ambulance can get through.

"Why can't the club stick to its promise? It was absolute chaos after the accidents. There were cars all over the place."

However, Mr Peacock said the councillor was looking for excuses to call for the track to be closed down.

"We operate an informal one-way system. It is a one-track road with passing places. It is a common sense system. When we do have an accident like those at the weekend, a person goes to the top of Moor Lane and stops the traffic until the ambulance has arrived.

"He is trying to get us off the site by whatever means he can. We are doing everything by the rules," he said.

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