ORGANISERS at a North-East race track have pledged to work with nearby residents to tackle noise complaints.

Mike Cantelo, manager of Croft Circuit, near Darlington, told a public meeting last night (Wednesday, February 11) that his door is always open for residents to discuss any issues they may have with the circuit.

“It is very important to be working with the residents and hopefully tonight is the beginning of an improvement of relations,” said Mr Cantelo, who took over as manager at the circuit about a year ago.

Dozens of residents from the surrounding villages attended the meeting, which was organised by Croft Parish Council after lifelong Dalton-on-Tees resident, Doris Cameron, complained about noise levels at the circuit.

Her thoughts were echoed by a fellow resident, who lives in West Lane, leading up to the circuit, who also complained about antisocial driving by punters using the circuit.

“I don’t mind the operation of the circuit by any means – it is great for the area,” he said.

“But when you have your track days they use West Lane as a race track. I have complained on a number of occasions. I am going to put up a webcam so that I can record it to try and get people who do handbrake turns on to the circuit.”

Mr Cantelo said: “I want to work closely with you so that they [antisocial drivers] can be caught. I will have them thrown off – we do not want that sort of antisocial behaviour in the circuit.”

Tony Scott-Andrews, chairman of the British Automobile Racing Club, added: “If you guys are unhappy then we would much rather you tell Mike about it early, rather than when it is far too late to do anything about it.

“We want to try and make it work and be responsible with our neighbours. If we are not being responsible, you need to tell us.”

In 2009, organisers at the circuit were ordered to pay considerable damages and legal costs after the High Court ruled that a neighbouring family – who have since moved out of the village - should be compensated for putting up with the noise of revving engines and screeching tyres.

An injunction was also granted, which limited the number of noisy days at the circuit to 40 a year, severely affecting the circuit’s income and ability to operate.

But in 2013, Croft Promosport – the circuit’s operating company – appealed the injunction, with the Court of Appeal, granting the circuit an additional 50 noisy days.

Mr Cantelo said that the circuit must also comply with strict planning rules, limiting the sound levels and hours of operation.

“We are still trying to fight to get revenue back in to the circuit following the injunction,” he said.

“It is very hard as there is no money to invest, but my wish is to get the British Superbikes back.”