A DETERMINED teenager has launched a petition to get an off-road bike track on Canvey.

Ian Madigan, 14, has been hooked since taking up his biking hobby last Christmas - but admits there is nowhere to ride without disturbing islanders.

He is urging Castle Point Council to instal a track on land behind Morrison’s supermarket, in Northwick Road, Canvey.

Ian, who lives near Jones’ Corner, said: “There are some bikers who get moaned at when they go on the field.

“There used to be a track on Canvey and it would be really good to bring it back. There is nowhere else for us to go where we are not disturbing people.”

His mum, Kim Madigan, 38, said she was fully supportive of her son’s petition.

She added: “If your child is into football, rugby or swimming there are places for them to go, but if they like biking there isn’t anywhere. It is like they are persecuting them for liking bikes.

“Ian is really passionate about it and although there is a track in Benfleet, it is difficult for some youngsters to get there as they have to rely on their parents.

“If there was a track near on Canvey they would be able to push their bikes there. It is legal for them to do that and it is easy for them to get somewhere central such as Northwick Road.”

“It will give them somewhere to go and if they do fall off, it is a lot less serious when they are off the road compared to if they were on it.”

Islanders have long complained of youths on quad bikes or dirt bikes causing havoc by tearing up streets or parks on Canvey.

A Castle Point spokesman said the bike track proposals are unlikely to be pushed forward because of a similar facility in Watlington Road, Benfleet - 4 miles away.

She added: “Castle Point Council does not own any land near Morrison’s, on Canvey.

“The council has recognized that some residents wish to drive off-road motorbikes and many years ago hired out an area of land specifically for this sport .The council leased an area off Watlington Road, Benfleet, on a former landfill site, to a motorcross club called Kick Start MX Club.

To view the petition, which currently has 35 signatures, visit change.org/p/rebeccaharris-org-get-the-kids-off-the-road-and-put-a-motorcross-track-on-canvey-behind-morrisons