A UNIQUE sports facility is trying to stop Chester City Council making mountains out of molehills - so it can carry on doing just that.

Ride the Hill SuperBole Mountainboard Centre, on the Bolesworth Estate in Harthill, is appealing against a planning refusal by Chester City Council, made in December 2004, and has launched a new application for the site.

The centre provides surfaces and courses for mountain boarding, where the rider is secured to a board with wheels and races up and down gradients. Initially the council decided visibility was too poor on the access road to the centre and that the appearance of the facility would not blend in with the local surroundings.

However, estate manager Matthew Morris said: 'We have come to a compromise on the highways issue - visitors will not need to use the entrance causing problems and will park elsewhere.

'The centre does not change the appearance of the land - there are no buildings involved and the land is kept so that it could be turned back into farm land if necessary.'

So far events on the land have proved very popular, with 500 people attending the Tantrum ATBA UK final last weekend.

This success has had a positive effect on other local businesses, by increasing custom and awareness of tourist attractions in the area.

Mr Morris said: 'We need to diversify - the majority of land in this area is farm land but there are pockets that are not used. Why not set up businesses for local people and those who live out of the area to enjoy?

'The kids love it and they are outdoors in the fresh air getting exercise.'

Matthew added: 'We really hope this appeal is successful. I think projects like this are essential to the prosperity of the countryside.'