PLANS to open another mountain bike trail in Rossendale have been drawn up.

The borough is quickly becoming a popular destination for mountain bikers with Cragg Quarry, in Cowpe Moss, ear-marked as the next adrenaline hotspot.

Bikers from across the country last month took part in the Brownbacks race series at Lee Quarry to test their skills, speed and endurance on wheels. Now Lancashire Country Council is hoping Cragg Quarry will become as popular as the Bacup tracks.

Ed Oxley, mountain bike instructor at Lee Quarry, said: “Development at Cragg Quarry would be brilliant not just for mountain bikers but also for the people of Bacup and Rossendale.

“When bikers come to an area they spend money in the nearby towns in cafes, shops and bars.

“These plans would bring powerful regeneration to Bacup and would encourage youngsters to keep fit on the bikes and maybe inspire some competitive riders.”

It is understood mountain bike skills company Great Rock have also secured £500,000 to spend on new trails in the Rossendale area during the next 18 months.

Coun Peter Steen, county councillor for Irwell, said: “Rossendale’s Lee Quarry, developed through the Adrenaline Gateway program with support from Rossendale council and Lancashire County Council, is fast gaining a reputation as one of the most innovative and acces-sible mountain bike trail centres in England.

“Extending the trails into nearby Cragg Quarry is the logical next stage in developing the fantastic mountain biking facilities that we already have.

“There is a real opportunity here for Rossendale to create a winning visitor attraction which will attract people to the borough from far and wide.”

Rowan Sorrell, who has designed mountain bike trails across the UK, has drawn up the plans to occupy the disused quarry.