A group of Warwick residents are arming for a fight to protect their neighbourhood from an influx of noisy motorcross enthusiasts.

Residents of the Tamarind Vale area are holding a meeting next Thursday to discuss strategies for preventing a scrambling track being added to the property of area resident Yuseff Richardson.

And they have already submitted an objection to the development to the Planning department, pre-empting any application to develop.

In a Tamarind Vale Neighbourhood Watch advisory, residents were informed: "There is a cricket field behind the Conyers, Perinchiefs, Powells and the McDonalds. That piece of property is owned by the Richardson family.

"One member of the family, Mr. Yuseff Richardson wants to change the cricket field into a scrambling track - partially to provide a place for his son to practice and partially to provide a practice track for young scrambling enthusiasts generally."

According to Planning officials, however, Mr. Richardson has yet to apply for permission to make such an addition to his property.

Efforts by The Royal Gazette to contact Mr. Richardson yesterday were unsuccessful.

If he does submit an application, the neighbours have asked to be notified and they have already obtained a professional opinion about the zoning of the property.

Area residents Tom and Heather Conyers consulted with Erwin P. Adderley & Associates and were told the area is zoned recreational - only recreations forms of development and accessory development are permitted.

"Given that the Recreational zone is listed as one of the `conservation' zones along with National Park, Nature Reserve, Green Space, Open Space, Agricultural Land, Woodland and Woodland Reserve, it is clearly intended as an area for conserving and protecting natural features," agent Christine Rickards wrote to the Conyers.

Neighbours are concerned that the loud bikes and activity will spoil the area.

"I am sure I do not have to tell anyone just how noisy this will be," the Neighbourhood Watch notice said. "Suffice to say, there is every possibility that our peaceful, quiet neighbourhood could be in jeopardy. We very much value that peacefulness and would like to keep it that way. We hope you feel the same way."

Neighbours have been asked to meet at the home of Narinder and Marie Hargun on Tamarind Vale on Thursday evening.

The meeting will not be open to the public in general.