PLANS to create Britain's first surfing lake in Almondsbury and Easter Compton split opinion at a public exhibition.

Proposals to build The Wave: Bristol, a £6.2 million in-land surfing experience between Over Court Farm and Washingpool Farm were both warmly welcomed and panned by locals at an open consultation last Tuesday in Easter Compton.

The 40-acre site would also include an adventure trail, natural pool, camping area with 100 pitches and eight eco-lodges, an education centre, changing facilities and café.

The surfing lake would create between 40 and 50 jobs.

Kate White came from Bristol to find out more about the project. She told the Gazette she was very impressed with the plans.

"It's an asset to the area," she said. "Lots of people I know are excited by it and are hoping it's going to be able to go ahead. "I'm very impressed by the thought and planning which went into it."

She added: "Getting new job opportunities can only be a positive thing."

Neil Thorne from Almondsbury added: "Personally I think it's great as long as it's planned well. "It all sounds very positive. I think it would be right for the area. It's something else to do for the kids."

The attraction's freshwater lagoon would generate surfing waves of up to 1.6 metres high, at a rate of approximately 120 waves per hour.

Experienced surfers would be able to enjoy rides of up to 20 seconds while beginners would have the opportunity to learn in a safe environment.

But not everyone perceived the surfing experience as an asset. People living near the proposed site on Over Lane feared the attraction would increase traffic tenfold on what was already a "rat-run."

A resident, who asked not be named, said: "It's the traffic we are worried about. It's already a rat-run as it is. "For the people of Easter Compton it would be very difficult to drive out of their front door.

"We are also concerned about the noise and we are skeptical about their thinking about the environment."

Another villager said: "We came here to be semi-rural and they are going to be turning this into a fun fair effect. I'm staggered it's even being entertained."

Owner Tobin Coles said parking would be limited and visitors asked to book in advance to avoid congestion.

"We need to make sure that we get our transport policy right," he said. "The only access will be by booking in advance so we will restrict parking. We do really try to make sure that we are balancing things here and being sensitive."

His business partner Nick Hounsfield added: "I understand the skepticism because there are so many people who don't do it right out there."