ATHLETES dreaming of making the Olympics and Paralympics have been blocked from using a new running track after villagers complained that it spoils their view of the countryside.

The all-weather athletics track, fitted with technology for disabled athletes, has already been built in the ground of Dauntsey’s School, creating an all-weather terracotta running track at the private school in West Lavington.

Coaches pleaded with the council to give the track its seal of approval.

But Wiltshire Council has refused to allow the school and community sports team access to it because the school broke planning regulations to build it.

In 2003, officers granted permission for a grass track, instead of the synthetic one eventually built.

The school said trees would be planted to hide the track, which is most noticeable from the top of Strawberry Hill due to its bright colour and white fence.

But villagers and councillors agreed that regulations had been broken and urged Dauntsey’s to go back to the drawing board.

Head coach at Dauntsey’s School Deborah Bray said: “How do I go about telling my 18-year-old student who has cerebral palsy that the training he needs to do to qualify for the Paralympics in Tokyo will be in vain if he can’t use this track?

“It is his dream and I would like to do everything in my power to realise this.

"The health and safety of this track compared to a green track cannot be overemphasized.”

Fiona Edington, secretary for Wiltshire Athletics, said: “All-weather tracks are desperately needed in this area.

“With the London 2012 Legacy we need young people to go out and take exercise.

"Just as the track at Marlborough College has weathered, this will weather too.”

Cllr Sandra Gamble of West Lavington Parish Council said: “The school has totally ignored planning and built this rather than the permitted grass track.

“It is wholly out of character with other views. There has been no consideration with wider members of the community to enjoy the outstanding vista.”

Villager Hillary Stone added: “When I saw the track I wondered how it ever got planning permission and now I find out that it didn’t.

"Your eye can’t help but be drawn to the red track.”

Cllr Paul Oatway added: “I am appalled at what I have seen and heard. There is a total disregard for this authority and I cannot believe a professional organisation has put us in this position.

“Don’t say it will harm the children, you should have thought of that when you breached the planning.”

Daunstey’s School confirmed it now plans to appeal the decision, made last Thursday.

Mark Lascelles, the headmaster, said: “We are naturally disappointed with the decision by Wiltshire Council and will be appealing.

"In the meantime, we are very grateful for the support of the majority of our local community who believe, as we do, that the facility will be of great benefit to other local schools as well as the wider athletics community in Wiltshire.”