Work on a new pump track at Bankswood Park in Hadfield is now under way.

High Peak Borough Council has appointed BikeTrack to build the £85,000 facility, following consultation with a local community group and work started this week.

It follows a request from a local cycling group to help encourage more people to take to the saddle.

Since then, a group of local volunteers have worked together with the borough council to secure £34,000 from British Cycling’s Places to Ride scheme, with the council providing the remaining £51,000.

Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, Damien Greenhalgh, said: “Everyone knows the importance of exercise and being active which is why the Council is committed to providing the widest range of sporting and leisure opportunities in local communities across the High Peak and investing in our parks specifically.

“This is a particularly exciting project as the volunteers, the local cycling group and the Council have worked closely together to secure the necessary funding and to ensure the track which will be built is to a design that meets our shared ambitions and expectations.

“The wheels are well and truly in motion now with work now underway and expected to be finished in around four weeks. I know how hotly anticipated it is here in Hadfield and I look forward to seeing this track delivered and in full use soon!”

British Cycling’s Places to Ride scheme aims to make sure communities have access to safe and accessible places to help inspire people to get on their bikes and enjoy cycling regardless of their age or ability.

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

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