A NEW cycle hub named in honour of Colne Olympian Steven Burke has moved up a gear with a £170,000 grant.

Bosses at British Cycling have confirmed funding for a closed road circuit at Swinden Playing Fields track, which should open next March.

Further work on a pavilion, extra lighting, and a car park, should be finished by next August on the project, which has previously been awarded £150,000 from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities Fund.

Nelson and Colne area committees and Lancashire Environment Fund have also pledged £150,000 Coun Joe Cooney, Pendle Council leader, said: “It’s a win-win situation – we’ve also recently had planning permission granted for this exciting new facility.”

And Steven, who is in training for the Olympics, after securing team gold in London, added: “I’ve no doubt the closed road circuit will help in my preparations for Rio 2016!

“But more importantly, it will get youngsters out on the closed road circuit and hopefully get the same opportunities as me.”

He has previously spoken about how the hub will encourage youngsters to take up cycling.

Cycle Sport Pendle has also been a leading player in securing funding for the initiative, which will surround existing football and cricket pitches.

Ian Drake, chief executive of British Cycling, said: “The new circuit will allow many more young people in the North West to participate in cycling and help develop the sport in the region even fur-ther.”

The circuit will be suitable for both able-bodied and disabled rid-ers, as part of Pendle Leisure Trust’s Wheels for All scheme.