WEYMOUTH Speedway track is being monitored for noise nuisance following complaints by nearby residents.

West Dorset District Council took the decision after people complained that racing at the Weymouth Wildcats' base behind the Wessex Stadium was disturbing them.

The move comes as fans posted a notice on the Wildcats' website forum which claimed that there was a campaign under way to close the speedway.

One said that opponents had been in contact with Weymouth and Portland councillor, Andy Hutchings, in whose ward many of the residents live.

He said: "It seems strange that even though we are not governed by Weymouth and Portland, their councillors are biting our heels.

"It does not seem to matter what entertainment you put on, there is always someone determined to spoil the party.'

But Coun Hutchings said although he was aware of what was being said he did not want to comment further on any aspect of the issue. His Westham North colleague Coun Christine James said: "I have not been approached by residents about noise disturbance. I can hear the speedway from where I live, but I don't find it a problem because it's not on particularly late.

"I know the people behind the speedway have worked hard to bring it back to the area."

Enthusiasts welcomed speedway back to Weymouth last year after a break of 20 years.

The Wildcats, who are flying high in the Conference League, draw a weekly crowd of about 1,000 spectators.

Promoter and former rider Brian White spent two years trying to bring the sport back to South Dorset. West Dorset councillors backed Mr White's speedway plan last summer after hearing the effect of any noise on houses in the area would be minimal.

Mr White said he did not want to comment.

A spokesman for West Dorset District Council said that six complaints had been received about speedway noise in the past 12 months.

She said: "We are investigating complaints about noise from the speedway track in Radipole Lane, Weymouth. The council is taking the matter seriously and has appointed a specialist noise consultant to monitor sound levels."

The spokesman added: "The track has temporary planning consent until July 2005. The council, as the planning authority, will take complaints relating to noise into account when it considers renewing planning consent next year."

Tony Beeson, Weymouth and Portland's environmental health chief, said: "The speedway track is in West Dorset, but the majority of residents likely to be affected are in Weymouth.

"We have heard of a few concerns from residents about noise and are discussing with colleagues at West Dorset to try and agree something which is acceptable to all."

He added: "Speedway was a major part of Weymouth some years ago and I know that we don't experience the problems like we used to because improvements have been made since then."