Tuesday, 31 August 2021 12:03

By Emma Downes @emma_downes2021

Louisa Wilson, Councillor Damien Greenhalgh and Louisa's son Ewan Wilson celebrate securing the funding for the new pump track.

Plans for a state-of-the-art pump track in Hadfield's Bankswood Park have come at a perfect time.

Interest in cycling and BMX sports is riding high thanks to this summer’s Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo.

Following a campaign from a local cycling group, calling for improved facilities to encourage more people to get active, the £85,000 project is moving forward.

High Peak Borough Council were awarded funding of £34,000 from British Cycling earlier this year and are in the process of appointing a preferred supplier to construct the track.

Deputy Council Leader and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, Damien Greenhalgh, said: “We’re delighted that a combination of Council and British Cycling funding means we’re able to provide this much wished for pump track in Bankswood Park.”

He praised the group of volunteers in Hadfield who identified the need and worked with the council, influencing the funding application to British Cycling, as well as the design and layout of the track and their efforts in keeping the local community engaged and updated.

“Getting to this point has been a real team effort between the local community and the Council,” said Cllr Greenhalgh.

“As a result, people can have full confidence that what we’re providing here will be an exciting, valued and well used facility – and that will be the true mark of its success.”

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh with Louisa and Ewan Wilson in Bankswood Park

Louisa Wilson, from the local group, added: “The pump track was campaigned for by a local group of cyclists. The group wanted something local and accessible to inspire others to try out the amazing sport of BMX.

“They set about making enquiries to the Council and surveying local interest in the proposal and their efforts and determination have culminated in this amazing pump track to be built in Bankswood Park.”

The project marks the start of a programme of improvements at the park which will also see more investment in the facilities for children and young people and landscape enhancements.

High Peak MP Robert Largan has welcomed the development.

He commented: “Playgrounds are valuable community assets and provide vital spaces for our young people to exercise and play.

“It is especially important for our young people to have access to such facilities in light of Team GB’s successes in Skateboarding and BMX at Tokyo 2020, which will undoubtedly inspire many people to take up these sports across the country.

“Lots of local residents have signed my petition on play areas to express their concern about the state of some playgrounds, so I wholeheartedly welcome these improvements to Bankswood Park, which I know will really benefit local people.”