Attempts to turn a former quarry into an officially recognised off-road motorcycle track have taken to Facebook, with more than 1,300 people backing the idea.

Flappit Quarry, off Halifax Road, near Cullingworth, had been used by bikers and off-road riders for years, but following the death of dad Mark Clifford in a quad bike accident at the site in 2007, Bradford Council has kept it closed off.

With a limited number of tracks for off-road riders in the district, many argue the Council should re-open it to provide what they see as a much-needed facility.

The man behind the latest push thinks if Bradford Council got involved it could make Flappit a safe facility and even a source of revenue.

Queensbury biker Ryan Harrison started the Facebook group “Re-open the Flappits Quarry.” So far, 1,380 users have “liked” the page, with many writing their messages of support.

Mr Harrison said: “I feel it’s important that the quarry is re-opened because it would be a secure environment for people to go and have fun legally and causing no bother. I think the quarry itself needs work like fencing off, a suitable car park and maybe sensible planning for tracks so there’s no crashing.

“It would be great and would stop many people from riding illegally on the road and annoying many people. I’m sure that it would even be good for the police. They wouldn’t have to waste time chasing bikers on the road.

“The site itself is out of the way of everything and would make money for the Council, which I’m sure they would be interested in. In mine and many others’ opinion it wouldn't bother anyone if there was a fee to pay and a legal insurance form to fill in.”

He is currently in contact with other bike enthusiasts to decide how to move forward with their request.

In recent years a number of riders have flouted the ban, leading police issuing warnings to anyone found riding on or near the site.

A spokesman for Bradford Council said it currently has no plans to lift the ban.