I am an avid motocross rider, competing in many meetings around the south of England. I live in Sheepcote Valley, where I and many colleagues practise our skills - we have done for many years - and where campaigners are trying to stop us (The Argus, February 4).

We are aware many horseriders use this area to exercise their horses and we always stop to make sure we do not scare either them or dog walkers. We always clear up after ourselves, unlike the travellers, who left an outrageous amount of rubbish, including burnt-out cars, caravans and even an old bus.

Brighton and Hove City Council last year opened the Wilson Avenue gate for an organised cross-country bike ride and used the track we had created. If we are riding too close to the orchids, why wasn't the track changed to take that into account?

The already-made motorbike track was marked out with red tape so it was okay to use that day- but no other? This area also has a BMX track which the council approved and, I can only assume, paid for. Are children on BMX bikes not scaring the migratory birds as well?

I have seen young children there, some even with their grandfathers, being taught how to ride a motorbike properly and safely - would you rather them on the roads?

The council has been aware of this for years. I have met people using the track who have travelled from as far afield as Worthing. Surely it's time the councils joined forces to sort out an area where bike riders could go without causing any distress to local residents or creating environmental issues, as this is certainly not our intention.

I cannot see the matter resolving itself and bike riders will continue to use this area until they have been given somewhere else to go.

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