Saturday, 2nd June saw the official opening of the recently completed BMX Pump Track at Highbury Playing Fields, Coleford. Parents and children turned out to see the newly-appointed Chairman of Somerset County Council, Councillor Nigel Taylor, open the much-needed facility and unveil a plaque showing the name of the donors that have helped to make this happen.

The project was managed by Coleford Parish Council, who identified that the village needed a community facility to engage active members of the parish. Consultation was completed and the BMX Pump track was the solution, allowing scooters, skateboards and bicycles to be used. Dirt Kraft Ltd designed the track to allow all levels of experience to get involved, from the total novice to professionals.

Cllr Tony Gurd took the lead in sourcing materials from the local quarries and project-managing the build, whilst Cllr Andy Conn sought grant funding to help cover the cost. To kick things off, Cllr Tony Gurd completed a sponsored sky dive, which raised over a thousand pounds. A BBQ with live music, Christmas raffle, sponsored bike ride and generous donations from members of the Parish and local businesses all added to the pot. Grants secured from Sport England, Somerset County Council, Avon and Somerset Police Commissioner’s Community Action fund and the Somerset Community Foundation meant that the track could become reality.

The generosity of the local quarries and businesses, namely; Wainwrights, Hansons (Whatley), Cookswood (Stoke St Michael), Tarmac Ltd, Morris and Perry (Gurney Slade) Ltd, CPM Mells, Read Agriservices and S. A. Burdett Ltd has been remarkable. This, along with the grant funding, has meant that no public precept money was used to complete the project.

The work began in the spring and was partially interrupted by the heavy snowfall, but progressed well and finished within the estimated schedule. Since the track has been completed, volunteers, led by Cllr Conn and his wife, Veryan, have planted a wildflower meadow mix on the banks around the track, which once established, will not only be striking when flowering, but will provide a habitat for wildlife and bees.

The opening ceremony was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the completion of the track and the Parish Council wants to thank the many donors who contributed to the project, because without their generous support, it wouldn’t have happened.