Back in March 2007 we reported on the imminent closure of the famous Aston Hill Mountain Bike Area. With Aston Hill supremo Ian Warby moving on to a new role with national cyclists' organisation CTC, the lease on Aston Hill was technically up for grabs. But nothing really happened, and ever since the status of one of the south east's most popular riding spots has been at best uncertain.

Now, though, there are signs of life. Following a meeting between the Forestry Commission, CTC and Aston Hill Mountain Bikers (the mountain bike club based on Aston Hill) the future of Aston Hill Mountain Bike Area is looking more certain. Aston Hill Mountain Bikers Chairman Richard Abbott said, "While I can't say too much, as there's a lot to get organised, things are looking encouraging."

Meanwhile Aston Hill Mountain Bikers and the Forestry Commission ask riders to be patient. Richard reiterated, "using Aston Hill while it's closed will only cause more problems for the future. We need to work with the Forestry Commission and CTC to get everything in place, so we can get the trails on Aston Hill re-opened as soon as possible".

One thing that is certain is that the 2008 National Demo Series event planned for Sunday 6 April will be going ahead. This will include the chance to test ride mountain bikes from leading manufacturers on Aston Hill's downhill, cross-country and 4X tracks.

Usually at this point we'd point you towards www.astonhill.com but at the time of writing there's nothing of any note there...