Wednesday, 11 May 2022 07:46

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh (second from the right) with cyclists and local volunteers at the new pump track.

The new pump track in Bankswood Park in Hadfield is already being well used within weeks of opening to the public.

High Peak Borough Council has promised that it's just the start of a programme of investment in enhanced facilities for children and young people and landscape improvements.

BikeTrack was appointed to build the £85,000 facility following a request from a local cycling group to help encourage more people to take to the saddle without having to travel significant distances to access similar facilities.

Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, Damien Greenhalgh, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that this new pump track, requested by a local cycling group, is now open. We knew it would be a well-used facility and it’s already proving a popular addition to the park.

“It’s been a great project to work on which has seen the volunteers, the local cycling group and the Council work collaboratively to raise the funding required to deliver this fantastic new amenity which increases local opportunities for people to take part in outdoor activities.

“Investing in High Peak’s parks and open spaces is a priority for this Council and this pump track is just the first of several planned improvements at Bankswood. I look forward to continuing to work co-operatively with the local community to develop a new Park Management Plan and deliver further enhancements on the back of that.”

Young cyclists enjoying the new track.

The council has published its Parks Strategy, which sets out its vision to ensure the borough's parks and green spaces are vibrant, attractive and actively maintained spaces for the whole community to enjoy for a wide range of benefits.

The council has said it will invest in both formal parks and informal green spaces and work with community and interest groups, to protect, enhance and manage these places.

Councillor Greenhalgh added: “The work we’re doing at Bankswood Park is a great example of what can be achieved when we work in partnership with volunteers, the local community and those people that really value their green spaces.

“We want to build on that and establish similar networks across the High Peak. So I’m encouraging people who love their local park to join us as we work to make sure that these special places stay that way and that they are meeting the needs and aspirations of our communities for generations to come.”