Beginner cyclists will be the big losers if a council fails to invest in an at-risk velodrome, a coach has warned.

Competitive racing has been banned by British Cycling at Brighton’s Preston Park cycle track following concerns about the upkeep of the facility.

While the focus has been on the disruption to the racing scene, an experienced coach told The Argus that beginner cyclists would be the big losers if it was not brought back up to scratch.

Alison Lewis, who runs beginner sessions for women on a Saturday morning, through British Cycling, said: “The fear is that if there is no investment in the facility then we will lose it.

“I don’t think people realise just how rare it is to have something like this. The next nearest is the Herne Hill track in London or there is one in Gravesend in Kent.

“I see its importance from a beginners’ point of view. It is the only place you can teach those who are not used to riding on the road in a safe environment. It is vitally important we keep the track.”

The outdoor facility, the oldest in the country, is available to all and maintained by Brighton and Hove City Council.

It has also been used for training by many professionals, including double Olympic gold medal winner Laura Trott and Tour de France veteran Sean Yates.

British Cycling inspected the track last year and sent a report to the council notifying them of what needed to be done to bring it up to the standard to make it fit for competitive racing.

A council spokesman said the local authority was working with the governing body to “identify costs” and “explore potential sources of funding”.

And while it is still available for non-competitive use, Ms Lewis, who is also a coach with Preston Park Youth Cycling Club, said there are fears it could fall into disrepair.

She said: “The old grandstand is already in a bit of a bad way and if there is no investment the surface could deteriorate. We don’t even know how much it is going to cost. If we did, we could start to think about fundraising. There is nothing else like it around, it is important we save it.”

More than 3,000 have signed a petition which will be presented to the council’s environment, transport and sustainability committee on March 17.

To sign the petition, visit brighton-hove.gov.uk and search for ‘petition’.