Hard work pays off as new BMX track is off to a flying start
RESIDENTS from across the town were on hand to witness the grand opening of the Belgrave Community BMX Track this weekend.
Although most of the work was completed several weeks ago, and the track has been open to the public, those who have spearheaded the campaign were there to witness the track's official open day on Saturday (May 5).
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Based in Deltic, Glascote, the area has seen extensive work done to lift the project off the ground.
The initial idea for the project was put forward over four years ago.
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It has cost £50,000 to complete.
Tamworth Mayor Jeremy Oates cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the new facility.
Among the guests at the grand opening was Councillor Robert Pritchard, who has worked alongside Tamworth BMX Club, Belgrave Residents Association and Tamworth Borough Council to get the track to its current glory.
The project leader thanked all those involved with the scheme prior to the event for their continued hard work.
The opening day also saw elite BMX riders Ryan and Tom Bayer test out the new facility.
There were also displays from local community groups, and Tamworth street wardens were on hand to give out free bike locks.
A portable police station was also revealed on the site. The station aims to provide a local base for police officers, helping them to engage with children using the new track.
The site has also become a new nature reserve for the area, with over 600 bulbs and 200 trees and bushes planted. Bird boxes have also been constructed.
Lawrence Winfield, chairman of Belgrave Residents Association, said: "This is a great community track and it gives children across Belgrave, Glascote, Wilnecote and Stonydelph something positive to do.
"We are all very proud of it and happy to be part of such a successful community project."
More bulbs and trees are expected to be planted in autumn during planned community days, with the creation of a bluebell wood expected later this year.
Comments
by Cllrp
Tuesday, May 15 2012, 11:18AM
“as Project leader i would like to thank those involved, so many people have been working hard to take this project from my initial idea back in 2008, through to the track we see today. There are many who deserve recognition. These are councillors Jeremy Oates and Lee Bates for providing development funding. Without early funding we wouldn't have got this far. Cllr Steven Pritchard deserves thanks for his continued support in the background. Andy Barratt at Tamworth Council, he has moved heaven and earth to help and has been key to the project. Christopher Pincher MP also deserves credit for assisting with various obstacles along our path. My wife Danielle needs thanks for spending weeks on a computer processing all the public surveys to make it into useable information for the funding application. Lindsey Bates from Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, for feeding into the wildlife improvements. Tamworth BMX Club, especially Mike O'Brien and Chris Thomas, for their valuable technical knowledge and limitless enthusiasm. Most importantly Lawrence Winfield, chairman of the residents' association. Lawrence has worked tirelessly and unseen in the background for four years. Chairman of Belgrave Residents Association, Lawrence Winfield, said, "This is a great community track and it gives children across Belgrave, Glascote, Wilnecote and Stonydelph something positive to do. We are all very proud of it and happy to be part of such a successful community project.”