OWNERS of a motor-racing track at Grimley, near Worcester, have reached a deal to keep it open.

The track, used for stock car and banger racing, was under threat after local residents complained about noise.

The track has been going for more than 50 years and attracts people from all over Britain. A petition launched by the track's supporters gained over 1,500 signatures.

The new deal, reached between Malvern Hills District Council and the owners, will allow racing to continue on a permanent basis while reducing the noise impact on nearby residents.

Court action was first taken in December 2015 which resulted in the owners agreeing to undertake work to reduce the impact of noise levels. However, when this did not happen an interim injunction was applied for to halt racing while the matter went to court.

A temporary compromise was reached earlier this year which allowed racing to resume subject to certain restrictions.

This has led to both sides agreeing a permanent deal, which was ratified by a judge at a hearing at Walsall County Court on Tuesday.

Under the terms of the order, the raceway will be allowed to hold nine meetings a year and there must be at least 20 to 27 days between each event.

Only one race can be held on a Bank Holiday in any single year, no racing can take place before 1pm or after 6pm, except for Bonfire Night, and engines cannot be started or repairs made before 11am or after 6pm.

Restrictions have also been placed on the type of announcements that can be made over the public address system and the type of vehicles that can be used in races.

A noise management plan must also be submitted to the council each year and council staff or other experts must be allowed on site to ensure the order is being complied with.

Phil Merrick, the council's head of economy and communities, said: “We’ve always said we were supportive of the raceway but that had to be balanced against our legal obligation to protect our residents from excessive noise.

“We’re delighted we have been able to reach an agreement which imposes some tough restrictions on the operation of the racetrack while ensuring racing can continue at Grimley in the future.”