Concern is mounting over proposals to create a motorbike track for young people next to Radlett Cricket Club, in Cobden Hill.

Aldenham Parish Council agreed two years ago to allow part of the King George V Playing Fields, next to the club's second-team pitch, to be used for the £165,000 youth project.

The authority has since worked with Hertfordshire Constabulary, Hertsmere Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council to set up a scheme aimed at preventing dangerous motorbikes being driven illegally on the roads by youngsters.

Funding problems have caused significant delays in getting it started, but money has now been secured to create the track, which will be fenced off and landscaped.

Club chairman Tony Johnson said Radlett CC members are becoming increasingly worried by how close the track would be to their pitches.

He said: "We are very concerned about the noise the track will create and the impact it will have on matches. There has been a sound test undertaken by the council but even if the noise level is legally okay, it will still be loud.

"We need to know how it will be managed and be properly consulted because the ground is used every day of the week from May to July, and frequently in other months.

"We don't want to have a facility introduced which is not compatible with the club."

Peter Evans, clerk of the parish council, said: "We have been in contact with Mr Johnson and he was aware environmental health officers went on to the second pitch while bikes were trialled to assess the noise.

"The next stage is putting in for planning permission. We will invite people at this stage to bring their concerns to the parish and borough councils.

"The general feeling of the council, when we agreed for this piece of land to be used, was that is was far enough away not to have an impact on people. If it will help to reduce antisocial behaviour and casualties on the road, then all the better for it."

He said Mr Johnson would be involved with the planning process and invited to relevant meetings.

Steve Emmerson, the county council's Hertsmere youth work team leader, said: "We are happy to work with community groups, the cricket club and residents to overcome any problems.

"This is a real opportunity for us and young people and we are keen to bring it to fruition. We are hoping young people across the county will use it as a safe arena to ride their bikes."