The future of the Croft Circuit in North Yorkshire is uncertain after it lost an appeal against a High Court decision to award nearly ?150,000 in damages to local residents living near to the track.

Derek and Julia Watson, and their daughter Jill, won a case last April about "loud, intrusive and repetitive noise" from the venue spoiling their quality of life.

That decision was upheld yesterday.

The Croft Circuit has issued the following statement:-

"Croft Promosport Ltd is extremely disappointed with the Court of Appeal's decision in relation to the recent High Court Judgement, which has serious implications for the circuit and the motor racing industry in general.
We are reviewing the position carefully and would not wish to make any further comment at this stage."

With this precedent being set, other tracks which run race and track days will be looking at the judgement with some concern.

The decision could have wider ramifications across society with possible problems for airports and other facilities.