RESIDENTS fighting plans for a cycling track say they have lost the war.

Bournemouth council has followed an inspector’s recommendation and on Monday rejected campaigners’ application for the site to be given town green status.

Work can now go ahead on the Slades Farm cycle track without any more legal delays.

“I don’t think there’s anywhere else we can go,” said Jean Scovell, the chairman of Ensbury Park Residents Association, who made the application for town green status.

“The inspector recommended it and we can’t appeal the decision.

“I am still glad we fought, because it gave us four years.”

The council said the planning committee’s decision will allow it to secure £440,000 in funding from British Cycling.

Another £310,000 will come from developers through section 106 agreements and £130,000 from council capital spending.

The inspector decided that for the town green application to succeed, people using the land had to be trespassing.

However, she decided they were using it with the permission of the landowner, Bournemouth council.

The council was backed up by sports players, including Springbourne and St Marys football clubs.

The cycle track will be used for racing, but will also be open to the public for recreational use, including skateboarding and jogging.

Cllr Anne Filer, cabinet member for tourism, said: “I’m thrilled the plan for a modern cycling facility, which will benefit all ages and abilities, can now go ahead.”

Chris Turner, executive principal of nearby Glenmoor School and Winton College, said: “This opens up all sorts of possibilities for educational, recreational and leisure use.

“We’re very excited.”

The whole development will include a nearby new play area, café and toilets.