With interest in cycling and BMX sports riding high following this summer's Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo, news that funding has been secured for a state-of-the-art pump track in Hadfield's Bankswood Park couldn't have come at a better time.
High Peak Borough Council has worked with the community on the £85,000 project following requests from a local cycling group to provide the facility to encourage more people to take to the saddle.
The Council is providing £51,000 and the remaining £34,000 is coming from British Cycling's Places to Ride Scheme which aims to make sure communities have access to safe and affordable places to help inspire people to get on their bikes and enjoy cycling regardless of their age or ability.
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.
"We all know how important it is that we lead active lives and move more for both our physical and mental health. That means we need to provide as many varied facilities and amenities as we can to make sure there are activities and opportunities to spend time outdoors that appeal to all interests, age groups and abilities.
"Here in Hadfield, this group of volunteers have been fantastic in not only identifying the need for this pump track but also working co-operatively with us to reach this stage in the project, influencing the funding application to British Cycling and the design and layout of the track and keeping the local community engaged and updated. Getting to this point has been a real team effort between the local community and the Council.
"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. With our plan to invest in our Borough's parks and work co-operatively with the community to deliver this, I look forwarding to continuing to work with the Bankswood Park Group as we move on to appoint a contractor and get the pump track built."
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.
